HISTORY 


THE  KENTUCKY 


1875-1921 


FyJu? 


-TT 


■  JAMej      ^  liJ^UXblO 


TUFTS   UNIVERSITY   LIBRARIES 

II  llll  II  III  III  "■ 


3  9090  014  540  351 


Webster  Family  Library  of  Veterinary  Medicine 

Cummings  School  of  Veterinary  Medicine  at 

Tufts  University 

200  Westboro  Road 

North  Grafton,  MA  01536 


HISTORY 

of 

THE  KENTUCKY  DERBY 

1875-1921 

BY 

JOHN   L.  O'CONNOR 
% 


Copyright   1921 
John  L.  O'Connor 


PREFACE 


WITH  no  pretense  to  authorship  or  claim  for  orig- 
inality on  the  part  of  the  compiler,  this  work  is 
offered  as  a  reference  book.  For  many,  the  plain 
facts  of  each  year's  Kentucky  Derby  will  be  of  sufficient 
interest.  To  the  countless  followers  of  Turf  happenings 
the  material  herein  will  refresh  the  memory  and  awaken 
happy  reminiscence. 

This  compilation  is  made  mainly  from  the  columns 
of  The  Thoroughbred  Record,  a  Kentucky  publication,  and 
I  am  indebted  to  the  graciousness  of  its  editor,  Mr.  John 
E.  Rubbathan,  for  the  privilege  to  use  the  material  from 
his  invaluable  repository.  Mr.  Douglas  Anderson,  author 
of  "Making  the  American  Thoroughbred,"  by  his  en- 
couragement has  made  light  the  labor  incident  to  compila- 
tion. To  Mr.  Gurney  C.  Gue,  of  the  New  York 
Herald,  I  owe  a  debt  of  gratitude  for  his  helpful  advice. 

In  conclusion,  if  these  efforts  prove  acceptable  to  my 
brethren  of  the  Turf  and  tend  in  any  degree  to  promote 
and  keep  up  the  spirit  of  Racing,  the  object  in  giving  as 
much  time  to  the  subject  as  I  have  done,  will  be  accom- 
plished and  my  end  attained. 

White  Plains,  N.  Y. 
April  First,  1921. 


FIRST  DERBY  1875 

To-day  will  ever  be  historic  in  the  turf  annals  of  Kentucky, 
as  the  first  "Derby  Day,"  of  what  I  hope  to  see  a  long  series 
of  turf  festivities.  If  the  officers  of  the  Association  could  have 
had  the  pick  from  the  calendar  of  the  year,  there  could  not 
have  been  a  more  delightful  and  charming  day.  The  morning 
broke  without  a  cloud  visible  in  the  heavens,  while  a  cool  breeze 
was  wafted  over  the  course,  tempering  the  increasing  rays  of 
the  sun.     It  was  just  such  a  day  in  May 

When  the  sun  is  rejoicing  above  in  heaven, 

The  clouds  have  all  hurried  away. 

Down  in  the  meadow  the  blossoms  are  waking, 

Light  on  their  twigs  the  young  leaves  are  shaking, 

Round  the  warm  knolls  the  lambs  are  a  leaping, 

The  colt  from  his  fold  o'er  the  pasture  is  sweeping, 

But  on  the  bright  lake, 

The  little  waves   break, 

For  there  the  cool  west  is  at  play. 

The  course  was  in  splendid  order,  and  all  the  appurtenances 
requisite  for  the  comfort  and  convenience  of  racing  was  ready 
to  hand.  In  company  with  a  friend  we  started  early  for  the 
course,  thinking  that  we  would  reach  it  before  the  crowd,  but 
by  half  past  eleven  o'clock  we  found  enough  people  to  make  a 
respectable  show.  As  the  hour  approached  for  the  opening  of 
the  ball,  every  avenue  leading  to  the  course  was  thronged  with 
people  making  their  way  to  it.  It  was  indeed  a  Derby  Day  in 
all  respects.  With  the  two  railroads  leading  to  the  course,  the 
street  cars,  hacks  and  private  vehicles,  when  the  first  bell  was 
rung  for  the  riders,  the  Grand  Stand  presented  one  solid  mass 
of  human  faces,  while  the  quarter-stretch,  the  public  stand,  and 
a  portion  of   the  field   was  covered  with  people.     There  could 


HISTORY    OF    THE 


not  have  been  less  than  10,000  persons  on  the  course,  composed 
of  all  grades  of  society,  the  banker,  the  merchant,  the  gentle- 
man of  leisure  and  pleasure  seeker,  the  butcher,  the  baker,  the 
candlestick  maker,  et  id  omne  genus.  That  portion  of  the  Grand 
Stand  devoted  to  the  ladies  was  one  grand  bouquet  of  beauty, 
refinement  and  intelligence.  The  ladies  in  the  various  costumes 
looked  like  so  many  parti-colored  butterflies,  balancing  them- 
selves on  their  wings,  in  the  slanting  rays  of  the  bright  sun. 
At  one  time  you  met  a  beauty  with  such  sweetness  in  her  up- 
turned eyes,  such  as  fancy  lends  to  the  Madonna;  at  another 
point,  one  on  whose  lips  the  words  laugh,  and  whose  stately  steps 

Are  light,  as  though  a  winged  angel  trod 
Over  earth  flowers,  and  fear'd  to  brush  away 
Their   delicate  hues. 

All  the  shades  of  beauty  is  fully  represented,  from  the  blonde 
to  the  brunette,  from  the  matron,  whose  hair  is  threaded  with 
the  silver,  to  the  young  girl  just  blushing  into  womanhood, 
whose  cheeks  are  as  ruby  red  as  a  peach  that  has  been  kissed 
by  the  sun. 

The  Derby  came  next,  and  fifteen  finer  or  handsomer  young- 
sters never  faced  a  starter.  McGrath's  entries  had  the  call  in 
the  betting  and  many  thought  he  would  win  with  Chesapeake,  but 
Aristides,  the  son  of  Leamington,  carried  off  the  honors,  and 
worthily  earned  a  chaplet,  one  of  the  best  three-year-olds  ever 
stripped  for  a  race  in  this  country.  It  was  extremely  gratifying 
to  the  friends  of  the  liberal  Laird  of  McGrathiana,  and  will 
be  doubly  gratifying  to  Aristides  Welch,  the  owner  of  Leam- 
ington, after  whom  the  colt  is  christened.  This  is  the  best  race 
at  the  weights  ever  run  by  three-year-olds  in  this  country,  and 
cannot  fail  to  make  Aristides  a  still  stronger  favorite  for  his 
Eastern  engagements. 


KENTUCKY    DERBY 


SUMMARY 

'  The  Kentucky  Derby,  three-year-olds ;  $50  play  or  pay ;  As- 
sociation to  add  $1000;  second  horse  to  have  $200.  Dash  of  one 
and  a  half   miles.     Closed  with  42  nominations.     Value  $3,100. 

H.  P.  McGrath's  ch  c  Aristides,  by  Imp.  Leamington,  out  of 

Sarong ;   100  lbs.,  Oliver  Lewis    1 

Geo.  H.  Rice's  b  c  Volcano,  by  Vandal,  out  of   Iodine;   100 

lbs.,   H.   Williams    2 

C.    A.    Lewis'    ch    c   Verdigris,    by    Versailles,    out    of    Belle 

Brandon ;   100  lbs.,  H.  Chambers    3 

H.  P.  McGrath's  b  c  Chesapeake,  by  Lexington,  out  of  Rox- 

ana ;   100  lbs.,  W.  Henry    0 

Robinson,  Morgan  &  Co.'s  br  c  Bob  Woolley,  by  Imp.  Leam- 
ington, out  of  Item ;   100  lbs.,  W.  Walker   0 

J.  B.  Rhodes'  b  c  Searcher,  bv  Enquirer,  dam  by  Imp.  Bonnie 

Scotland ;   100  lbs.,  R.  Colston,  Jr 0 

Wm.   Cottrill's  ch    f   Ascension,   by   Imp.    Australian,   out   of 

Lilly  Ward ;  97  lbs.,  W.  Lakeland  0 

Stringfield  &  Clav's  gr  c  Enlister,  by  Enquirer,  out  of  Crown- 
let  ;   100  lbs.,  Holloway 0 

A.  Buford's  ch  c  McCreery,  by  Enquirer,  out  of  Ontario;  100 

lbs.,    D.    Jones      0 

Stringfield  &   Clay's   ch   c    Warsaw,   by   War    Dance,   out   of 

Sister  of  Charity ;  100  lbs.,  P.  Masterson   0 

F.  B.  Harper's  b  c  Ten  Broeck,  by  Imp.  Phaeton,  out  of  Fanny 

Holton;    100  lbs.,   M.   Kelso    0 

S.  J.   Salyer's   br  c  Bill   Bruce,  by  Enquirer,  out  of  Aurora 

R'aby ;  100  lbs.,  M.  Jones   0 

Allen  Bashford's  br  c,  by   Baywood,   out   of   Lute ;    100   lbs., 

J.    Carter    0 

A.  B.  Lewis  &  Co.'s  b  c  Vagabond,  by  Vandal,  out  of  Gem; 

100  lbs.,  J.  Houston   0 

J.  A.  Grinstead's  ch  f  Gold  Mine,  by  Imp.  Australian,  out  of 

Income;  97  lbs.,   C   Stradford    0 

Time— 2 :37M 

Betting— McGrath  $260,  Ascension  $150,  Searcher  $120,  Bill 
Bruce  $80,  Verdigris  $70,  Volcano  $60,  the  field  $50. 


HISTORY    OF    THE 


THE     KENTUCKY     DERBY 

The  fifteen  youngsters  assembled  at  the  half  mile  pole.  Little 
or  no  delay  took  place  under  the  able  directorship  of  Col.  W. 
H.  Johnson.  When  they  were  marshaled  into  line,  he  tapped 
the  drum  to  one  of  the  most  capital  starts  I  have  ever  seen,  the 
fifteen  going  away  like  a  platoon  of  calvary,  except  the  Bay  wood 
colt,  who  hung  at  the  post.  Volcano  jumped  away  first,  with 
McCreery  second,  and  Searcher  third,  the  remainder  bunched, 
coming  round  the  turn  to  the  quarter  pole  25*/>  seconds.  They 
came  at  a  rapid  rate  down  the  stretch  and  past  'the  stand  in  50 
seconds,  McCreery  first,  Volcano  second,  Searcher  third,  Aristides 
fourth,  the  others  pretty  well  bunched.  Before  they  had  reached 
the  quarter,  1:17,  Aristides  had  gone  to  the  front  and  opened 
a  gap  of  two  lengths  down  the  back  stretch,  Volcano  second, 
Searcher  third,  the  mile  1  :43%.  The  pace  was  so  hot  that  it 
began  to  tell  and  the  field  was  stretched  over  a  good  deal  of 
ground.  The  race  from  this  point  home  was  never  in  doubt, 
Aristides  winning  by  two  lengths  with  something  in  hand,  Vol- 
cano second,  a  length  in  front  of  Verdigris  third,  who  came 
rapidly  on  the  home  stretch  inside  the  distance.  Bob  Woolley 
who  was  caromed  against  on  the  lower  turn  a  good  fourth.  Ten 
Broeck  fifth,  the  Bay  wood  colt  sixth,  Bill  Bruce  seventh,  the 
remainder  were  scattered  at  wide  intervals,  and  the  dust  was 
so  great  that  I  was  unable  to  place  the  others.     Time — 2:37^4- 

DESCRIPTION    OF    THE    WINNER 

Aristides  is  a  chestnut  colt,  with  a  star,  and  two  white  pat- 
terns behind.  He  stands  fifteen  hands,  one  and  three-quarter 
inches  high.  He  has  a  neat  head  and  neck  running  into  rather 
a  straight  shoulder,  with  great  length,  good  barrel,  excellent  hips 
and  stifles,  sound  feet  and  legs  well  under  him.  He  has  fine 
turn  of  speed,  and  from  the  way  he  finished  up  the  Derby  to-day 


KENTUCKY    D  E  R  B  Y 


gives  every  evidence  of  being  a  good  stayer.  He  was  bred  by 
M<r.  H.  P.  McGrath,  at  McGrathiana  Stud  Farm,  near  Lexington, 
Ky.,  and  is  by  Imp.  Leamington,  out  of  Sarong,  by  Lexington, 
her  dam  The  Greek  Slave,  by  Imp.  Glencoe — Margaret  Hunter, 
by  Imp.  Margrave — Mary  Hunt,  by  Bertrand — 'Betty  Coons,  by 
Hephestion — by  Hampton's  Twig — by  Imp.  Bedford — by  Harle- 
quin— by  Imp.   Fearnaught. 

SECOND  DERBY  1876 

Eleven  out  of  the  thirty-four  nominations  went  to  the  post, 
and  after  some  delay,  caused  by  the  breakaway  and  anxiety  of 
a  few  of  the  colts  to  get  off  in  front,  Col.  Robt.  Johnson,  who 
officiated  in  this  race,  sent  them  away  to  a  good  start,  Parole 
in  the  lead,  Creedmoor  second,  Vagrant  third,  Bullion  fourth, 
Bombay  fifth,  Harry  Hill  sixth,  Red  Coat  seventh,  and  the  re- 
mainder in  pretty  close  order.  Before  going  half  way  around  the 
turn,  Vagrant  had  taken  the  lead,  with  Parole  second,  Creedmoor, 
third.  From  the  three-quarter  pole  to  the  stand  some 
changes  took  place,  Vagrant  leading,  Bullion  two  lengths,  second 
Harry  Hill  third,  Parole  fourth,  Bombay  fifth,  Creedmoor  sixth, 
the  remainder  outpaced,  strung  out  in  single  file.  Vagrant  main- 
tained his  lead  around  the  turn  and  just  before  reaching  the 
quarter  pole,  1  '.\7l/2,  some  one,  many  thought  Harry  Hill,  ran 
into  and  cut  Bullion  down  and  dropped  back,  Harry  Hill  taking 
his  position,  with  Creedmoor  third.  Before  reaching  the  half  mile 
the  race  had  resolved  itself  into  a  match  between  Vagrant  and 
Creedmoor.  But  it  was  never  in  doubt,  for  Vagrant  galloped 
along  at  his  ease  and  his  big  stride,  and  won  the  race,  like  he 
has  all  the  others,  in  a  big  gallop  by  more  than  a  length,  Harry 
Hill,  two  lengths  from  him,  third,  Bombay  fourth,  Red  Coat 
fifth,  Harper's  black  filly  by  Enquirer  sixth,  Leamingtonian  sev- 
enth, Marie  Michon  eighth,  Bullion  ninth,  Parole  tenth  and  Ger- 


10  HISTORYOFTHE 

mantown  eleventh.  The  quarter  26,  half  51,  three-quarters 
l:\7j4,  mile  1:45,  mile  and  a  quarter  2:1124,  mile  and  a  haif 
2:3Sy4. 

DESCRIPTION    AND    PEDIGREE 

Vagrant  is  a  dark  bay  gelding,  blaze  face,  four  white  stock- 
ings, and  stands  a  shade  over  15^4  hands.  He  was  bred  at  the 
Preakness  Stud  Farm,  the  property  of  M.  H.  Sanford,  Esq., 
and  was  purchased  as  a  yearling  by  T.  J.  Nichols,  Paris,  Ky., 
for  $250.  He  has  a  neat  head  and  neck,  good  shoulders,  excel- 
lent middle  piece,  great  length,  immense  hips  and  quarters  and 
tremendous  stifles,  with  sound  feet  and  legs.  His  action  is  easy 
and  graceful,  a  regular  daisy  cutter,  and  from  his  style  and  car- 
riage must  go  a  distance  of  ground. 

Vagrant  is  by  Virgil  (son  of  Vandal  and  Hymenia  by  Imp. 
Yorkshire;  1st  dam  Lazy,  by  Imp.  Scythian;  2d  dam  Lindora, 
by  Lexington ;  3d  dam  Picayune,  by  Medoc ;  4th  dam  Sally 
Howe,  by  Sir  William  of  Transport ;  5th  dam  Lady  Robin,  by 
Robin  Grey;  6th  dam  by  Quicksilver  (son  of  imp.  Medley)  ;  7th 
dam  by  Meede's  Celer. 

He  started  in  his  two-year-old  form  six  times,  won  five,  and 
beaten  once.  He  won  the  Alexander  Stakes,  half  mile,  at  Louis- 
ville, Ky.,  in  50^,  beating  Harry  Hill,  Russ  Butler  and  ten 
others.  Same  meeting  with  5  lbs.  penalty,  ran  third  to  Creedmoor 
for  the  Tennessee  Stakes,  three-quarters  of  a  mile  in  1 \22y2 
track  deep  in  mud.  At  Lexington,  Ky.,  won  sweepstakes  for  2- 
year-old  colts,  three-quarters  of  a  mile,  beating  The  Nipper,  Creed- 
moor,  and  six  others,  in  1 :18.  Same  meeting  won  the  sweepstakes 
for  two-year-old  colts  and  fillies,  one  mile,  beating  Clemmie  G., 
The  Nipper,  and  five  others,  in  1  :45y2.  At  Louisville  Fall  Meet- 
ing, won  the  Belle  Meade  Stakes,  three-quarters  of  a  mile,  beating 
Bengal,  Bombay,  and  nine  others,  in  1  :\7%.     Same  meeting  won 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  11 


the    Sanford    Stakes,   one    mile,    beating   Alborac,    Miriam    filly, 
and  several  others,   in   1  :46. 

At  Lexington,  Ky.,  Spring  Meeting  of  1876,  won  the  Phoenix 
Hotel  Stakes,  V/%  miles,  by  more  than  a  distance,  beating  Clem- 
mie  G.,  Knapsack,  Very  Fine  and  Yandall,  in  1 :56&.  Besides 
winning  the  Kentucky  Derby,  at  Louisville,  in  present  meeting, 
he  is  engaged  in  the  Clark  Stakes,  two  miles,  and  same  place 
in  fall  on  the  St.  Leger,  two  miles  and  Gait  House  Stakes, 
two  mile  heats,  the  Grand  Exposition  Stakes,  V/z  miles  at 
Philadelphia,  the  Breckcnridg^  Stakes,  two  miles,  at  Balti- 
more, and  the  Suwanee  Stakes,  two  mile  heats,  at  Nashville 
Fall    Meetings. 

The  Kentucky  Derby,  for  three-year  olds,  $50  play  or  pay,  with 
$1,500  added,  second  to  have  $200.  One  and  a  half  miles, 
34  nominations.     Value  $3,200. 

T.  J.   Nichol's  b  g   Vagrant,  by   Virgil,   dam   Lazy,  97   lbs., 

Swim    1 

Williams  &  Owings'  ch  c  Creedmoor,  by  Asteroid,  dam  imp. 

Target,  100  lbs.,  Williams  2 

John  Funk's  br  c  Harry  Hill,  by  Virgil,  dam  Lark,  100  lbs., 

Miller  3 

P.  Lorillard's  br  g  Parole,  by  imp.  Leamington,  dam  Maiden, 

97  lbs.,  Sparling  0 

F.  B.  Harper's  ch  c  Germantown,  by  Planet,  dam   Nantura, 

100  lbs.,  Graham    0 

F.  B.  Harper's  blk  f,  by  Enquirer,  dam  by  imp.  Albion,  97 

lbs.,  James    0 

J.  A.  Grinstead's  b  f  Marie  Michon,  Ly  Melbourne,  jr.,  dam 

Nellie  Gray,  97  lbs.,  Stratford 0 

H.    F.   Vissman's   b   c   Leamingtonian,    by    imp.    Leamington, 

dam  Mollie,  100  lbs.,  Colston  0 

D.   Swigert's  b   c   Bombay,    by   Planet,   dam   Nora,    100  lbs., 

Walker    0 


12  HISTORY    OF    THE 


Green  Clay's  ch  c  Red  Coat,  by  imp.  Australian,  dam  Sally, 
100  lbs.,   Hughes    0 

A.  Keene  Richards'  ch  c  Bullion,  by  War  Dance,  dam  Gold 
Ring,  100  lbs.,  Kelso  0 

Time— 2  :38lA 
Betting — Just  before  the  start,  Vagrant  even  against  the  field. 

THIRD   DERBY   1877 

Persons  who  long  wished  and  desired  a  beautiful  day  for  the 
Kentucky  Derby  were  fully  gratified  Tuesday.  The  sun  was 
out  bright  and  the  excessive  heat  for  the  past  week  was  tem- 
pered by  a  gentle  breeze  that  made  it  all  the  more  enjoyable, 
albeit  it  militated  some  against  faster  time. 

The  course,  from  the  heavy  rain  of  Sunday,  was  not  in  the 
best  possible  condition,  and  in  some  places  was  a  little  deep  and 
uneven.  Early  in  the  morning  preparations  commenced  for  the 
day's  sport,  and  the  crowded  condition  of  the  hotels  betokened 
a  large  attendance,  and  long  before  the  call  bell  was  sounded  to 
summon  the  jockeys  and  horses,  the  grand  stand,  quarter-stretch, 
field  and  field  stand  were  crowded  to  repletion  with  an  anxious 
crowd  of  spectators.  The  sky  was  flecked  here  and  there  with 
a  few  masses  of  clouds,  but  there  was  nothing  threatening  about 
them.  Now  and  then  they  served  the  purpose  of  a  veil,  which 
hid  the  fierce  glances  of  the  sun,  and  cast  a  shade  over  the  vast 
crowd  that  was  gathered  on  the  emerald  green  fields.  Rarely, 
indeed,  have  the  magnificent  landscapes  which  can  be  viewed  on 
either  side  from  the  grand  stand  and  its  neighborhood,  looked 
more  lovely.  Behind,  looking,  we  see  the  Nashville  railroad  wind- 
ing its  way  like  a  snake  through  green  fields  and  woodlands  until 
it  is  lost  in  the  distance.  In  front  to  one  side  you  see  the  curling 
smoke  arising  from  the  city,  with  a  cloud  of  dust  that  indicates 
the  road  over  which  the  vast  crowd  is  coming,  bent  on  pleasure. 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  13 

To  the  left  lay  green  fields  and  woodlands,  rejoicing  in  the  light 
luxuriant  foliage  of  May;  meadows  and  fields  surrounded  by 
whitened  fences,  here  and  there  a  cottage  dotted  over  the  plain 
with  their  smoke  curling  lazily  upwards.  Away  beyond  this 
could  be  seen  the  green  hills  running  in  a  semi-circle,  indicating 
where  the  beautiful  Ohio  winds  its  way  and  marked  the  bound- 
ary between  Kentucky  and  Indiana. 

For  the  Derby,  eleven  out  of  the  forty-one  nominations 
sported  silk.  Leonard  was  a  hot  favorite,  and  the  race  resulted 
in  his  overthrow  by  Baden-Baden,  who  was  third  choice  in  the 
betting.  If  Leonard  could  have  won,  his  chances  were  destroyed 
by  the  way  in  which  the  race  was  managed.  He  made  all  the 
running,  took  the  lead  and  set  himself  up  as  a  target  for  the 
others  to  shoot  at,  and  right  gallantly  did  Lisbon  serve  his  stable 
companion,  Baden-Baden,  for  three-quarters  of  a  mile  at  a 
clipping  pace,  and  then  dropped  back.  Vera  Cruz,  who  was 
backed  with  considerable  spirit  by  his  friends,  had  his  chances 
destroyed  by  being  left  at  the  post.  King  William  ran  a  good 
race,  and  for  a  colt  that  has  had  the  knocking  about  and  ham- 
mering that  he  has,  he  is  one  of  the  best  three-year-olds  that 
has  appeared  this  year.  His  performance  should  add  greatly  to 
the  reputation  of  his  young  sire,  Foster,  one  of  the  best  bred  sons 
of  Lexington.  The  race  was  an  excellent  one  for  the  condition 
of  the  course. 

After  some  three  or  four  breakaways,  the  eleven  were  de- 
spatched to  a  good  start,  except  Vera  Cruz,  who  reared  and 
plunged  just  as  the  drum  tapped,  Dan  K.  showing  in  front,  but 
was  soon  passed  by  Lisbon,  who  cut  out  the  work  at  a  sharp 
pace,  the  quarter  26]/>  seconds.  Entering  the  stretch  Leonard 
showed  in  front  and  had  a  lead  of  half  a  length  at  the  stand, 
with  Lisbon  and  King  William  second  and  third,  the  remainder 


14  HISTORYOFTHE 

in  pretty  close  order,  the  half  mile  52  seconds.  Going  around 
the  turn  King  William  joined  Leonard,  and  Lisbon  dropped  back, 
Baden-Baden  taking  his  place,  the  three-quarters  1 :18.  Going 
down  the  back  stretch  Leonard  led  King  William  a  length,  the 
latter  whipping,  with  Baden-Baden  at  his  quarters,  the  mile 
1  :44^4.  The  two  took  close  order  on  the  turn,  and  just  before 
entering  the  stretch  at  the  three-quarter  pole,  the  mile  and  a 
quarter  2\\\y2,  Baden-Baden  showed. his  nose  in  front,  Leonard 
second,  lapped  by  King  William,  all  three  driving.  It  was  a 
beautiful  and  exciting  finish  to  the  stand,  Baden-Baden  winning 
b}'  little  over  a  length,  Leonard  second,  a  head  in  front  of  King 
William,  third.  Vera  Cruz,  who  reared  and  was  left  at  the 
post,  overhauled  his  horses  and  finished  fourth,  with  Odd  Fellow 
fifth,  lapped  by  McWhirter  sixth,  Malvern  seventh,  Earlylight 
eighth,  Dan  K.  ninth,  Lisbon  tenth,  and  Headlight  eleventh. 
Time— 2 :38. 

DESCRIPTION   OF   WINNER 

Baden-Baden  is  a  dark  chestnut  colt,  with  a  star,  stands  16 
hands  high,  with  a  plain  head,  good  neck,  well  placed  shoulders, 
with  plenty  of  length,  good  back  and  loins,  and  sound  feet  and 
legs.  There  is  nothing  striking  about  him,  and  he  greatly  re- 
sembles his  own  brother,  Helmbold,  and  has  bred  back  after  his 
sire. 

He  was  bred  by  A.  J.  Alexander,  Woodburn  Stud  Farm, 
Spring  Station,  Ky.,  and  purchased  by  D.  Swigert,  Stockwood 
Farm,  as  a  yearling  for  $1,010,  by  imp.  Australian,  out  of  Lav- 
ender by  Wagner,  her  dam  Alice  Carneal  by  imp.  Sarpedon — 
Rowena  by  Sumpter — Lady  Gray  by  Robin  Gray — Maria  by 
Melzar — by  imp.  Highflyer— by  imp.  Fearnaught — by  Ariel— by 
Jack  of  Diamonds— imp.  Diamond  by  Cullen  Arabian— Lady 
Thigh  by  Croft's  Partner— by  Greyhound— Soph  onisba's,  dam  by 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  15 

Curwen's  Bay  Barb — by  D'Arcy's  Chestnut  Arabian — by  White- 
shirt — 01  d  Montague  mare. 

Baden-Baden  started  five  times  at  two  years  old,  won  one, 
lost  four.  He  was  unplaced  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  for  sweepstakes, 
one  mile,  won  by  Glentina  in  1 :45^.  He  ran  second  at  Louis- 
ville, Ky.,  for  the  Belle  Meade  Stakes,  three-quarters  of  a  mile, 
won  by  McWhirter  in  1:17.  Same  meeting  ran  second  to  Belle 
of  the  Meade  for  the  Sanford  Stakes,  one  mile,  in  1  -.44%.  Same 
meeting  ran  second  to  Belle  of  the  Meade,  100  lbs.  each,  for  a 
sweepstakes,  one  mile,  in  1 :44%,  the  best  on  record,  and  at 
Nashville  won  the  Young  America  Stakes,  one  mile,  in  1  :46^, 
beating  King  William,  Barbara,  Joe  Burt  and  Alice  Murphy. 

He  has  the  following  engagements :  The  Belle  Meade  Stake 
No.  2,  2  miles,  the  Suwanee  Stakes,  2  mile  heats,  Nashville  Fall 
meeting;  the  Clark  Stakes,  2  miles,  Louisville  spring  meeting;  the 
Kentucky  St.  Leger,  2  miles,  and  the  Gait  House  Stakes,  two 
mile  heats,  fall  meeting,  at  Louisville,  Ky. ;  the  Dixie  Stakes,  2 
miles,  at  Baltimore;  the  Belmont,  l]/2  miles,  the  Jerome,  2 
miles  and  All  Aged  stakes  \l/2  miles  at  Jerome  Park; 
the  Jersey  Derby,  \l/2  miles,  and  the  Robbins,  2  miles,  at  Long 
Branch;  the  Travers,  1^  miles,  and  Kenner,  2  miles,  at  Sara- 
toga, and  the  Woodburn  Stakes,  2l/2  miles,  at  Jerome  Park  in 
1878. 

SUMMARY 

The  Kentucky  Derby,  for  three-year-olds;  $50  p.  p.,  with  $1,500 
added ;  $200  to  second  horse.  One  and  a  half  miles  (41  sub- 
scribers).    Value  $3,550. 

D.    Swigert's    ch   c   Baden-Baden,    by   imp.    Australian,    dam 
Lavender,  100  lbs.,  Walker   1 

H.  P.  McGrath's  br  c  Leonard,  by  Longfellow,  dam  Colleen 
Bawn,  100  lbs.,  Swim  2 


16  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Smallwood  &  Co.'s  ch  c  King  William,  by  Foster,  dam  by  imp. 
Albion,  100  lbs.,  Bailey   3 

J.  T.   Williams'  b  g  Vera  Cruz,   by  Virgil,  dam  Regan,  97 
lbs.,  Murphy 0 

J.  J.  Merrill's  b  c  Odd  Fellow,  bv  Longfellow,  dam  Magnolia, 

100  lbs.,  Williams    0 

A.  Buford's  ch  c  McWhirter,  by  Enquirer,  dam  Ontario,  100 

lbs.,  H.  Moore 0 

Geo.  H.  Rice's  br  c   Malvern,  by  Melbourne,  jr.,  dam  Mag- 

netta,  100  lbs.,  S.  Jones 0 

F.  B.  Harper's  gr  f  Earlv  Light,  by  Longfellow,  dam  Fannie 

Wells,  97  lbs.,  W.  James    0 

Johnson  &  Mills'  b  g  Dan  K.,  by  imp.  Bonnie  iScotland,  dam 

Jennie  June,  97  lbs.,   McGrath   0 

D.   Swigert's   b  c  Lisbon,   by   imp.    Phaeton,   dam   imp.   Lady 

Love,  100  lbs.,  Douglass    0 

L.  B.  Field's  b  c  Headlight,  by  Bayonet,  dam  Olivia,  100  lbs.. 

iShelton 0 

Time— 2  :38 
Betting— Leonard,  $400;  Field,  $430. 

FOURTH  DERBY  1878 

No  better  evidence  would  be  wanted  of  the  popularity  and 
growing  interest  in  racing  than  was  the  case  to-day,  the  opening 
of  the  Spring  meeting  of  the  Louisville  Jockey  Club.  The  club 
have  struck  the  keynote  of  success  in  throwing  open  the  inner 
field  free  to  the  public,  which  was  graced  to-day  by  some  six 
or  eight  thousand  people,  as  well  behaved  and  orderly  an  as- 
semblage as  has  ever  been  seen  collected  together.  They  came 
on  foot,  in  every  sort  and  kind  of  vehicles,  and  the  grand  stand 
and  every  other  available  space  was  full  to  overflowing  to  wit- 
ness the  first  day,  which  gave  one  of  the  best  races  ever  witnessed 
in  America.     But  we  must  not  anticipate  our  report.     The  sport 


KENTUCKY     DERBY  17 

proved  to  be  of  an  interesting  and  most  exciting  character,  and 
those  who  were  present  were  more  than  repaid.  This  Association 
has  been  extremely  fortunate  in  the  way  of  weather,  and  to-day 
was  no  exception  to  the  rule.  The  track  was  in  admirable  order, 
but  many  thought  it  was  fully  two  seconds  slow.  The  day  was 
fine  and  springlike,  a  slight  breeze  tempering  the  otherwise  warm 
rays  of  the  sun.  The  fields,  considering  the  number  of  horses 
on  the  grounds,  were  not  as  large  as  many  anticipated,  but  as 
the  favorites  were  overthrown,  the  crowd  shouted  themselves 
hoarse  with  joy. 

For  the  Kentucky  Derby,  out  of  56  nominations  nine 
splendid  colts  faced  the  starter.  Himyar  was  such  a  big 
favorite,  3  to  1  over  the  field,  that  he  was  left  out  of  the  pools, 
and  Day  Star  was  next  in  favor,  closely  pushed  by  Bergundy 
and  Leveller.  The  result  is  easily  told.  Day  Star  made 
all  his  running  and  won  the  race  like  the  first-class  colt  that  he 
is,  just  as  he  did  the  Blue  Ribbon  at  Lexington.  Himyar  was 
miserably  ridden,  and  ran  fully  sixty  or  seventy-five  yards  farther 
in  the  race  than  was  necessary.  This  defeat  does  not  lessen  him 
in  our  estimation,  and  we  look  upon  him  as  the  greatest  colt  of 
the  year,  with  Day  Star  little  inferior. 

After  three  or  four  false  starts  the  lot  were  sent  away  to  a 
capital  one,  except  for  Charlie  Bush,  Bergundy,  and  the  favorite, 
Himyar,  who  seemed  to  hang  fire,  which  enabled  the  lot  to  get 
some  six  to  ten  lengths  the  start.  At  the  half-mile  pole  Day 
Star  was  first,  McHenry  second,  Respond  third,  Leveller  fourth, 
Solicitor  fifth,  Earl  of  Beaconsfield  sixth,  Charlie  Bush  seventh, 
Burgundy  eighth,  and  Himyar  ninth.  Day  Star  cut  out  the  work 
at  rapid  rate,  no  change  occurring  at  the  three-quarter  pole.  Day 
Star  passed  the  stand  two  lengths  in  front  of  McHenry,  Respond 
third,  Leveller  fourth,  Himyar  fifth,  Charlie  Bush  sixth,  Solicitor 
seventh,   Earl   of   Beaconsfield   eighth,   and  Burgundy,   who  was 


18  HISTORY    OF    THE 


knocked  to  his  knees  on  the  lower  turn,  ninth.  Day  Star  held 
his  lead  round  the  turn  and  after  passing  the  quarter-pole; 
Himyar,  who  was  ridden  miserably,  running  on  the  extreme 
outside  on  the  turn,  took  second  place,  with  Leveller  third.  The 
race  was  now  over;  Day  Star  was  never  headed  and  won  easily 
by  two  lengths,  the  spur  being  freely  applied  with  an  occasional 
touch  of  the  whip  in  the  last  quarter;  Himyar  second,  four 
lengths  in  front  of  Leveller,  third,  followed  by  Solicitor,  Mc- 
Henry,  Respond,  Burgundy,  Earl  of  Beaconsfield.  and  Charlie 
Bush  in  the  order  named.  Quarter  25;  half  50;  three-quarters 
1 :16^;  mile  1 :43;  mile  and  a  quarter  2:09%  ;  the  race  2:37%. 

DESCRIPTION    OF    WINNER 

Day  Star  is  a  chestnut  colt,  with  star  and  light  stripe  down 
the  face,  three  white  stockings,  a  little  white  on  the  left  hind 
pastern,  and  gray  hairs  scattered  through  the  flank.  He  is  15 
hands  2J/2  inches  high,  is  an  extremely  handsome  colt,  neat  head, 
stout  strong  neck,  well  inclined  shoulders,  extraordinary  short 
stout  back,  well  coupled,  broad  flat  ribs,  drops  down  full  in  the 
flank,  good  hips  and  quarters,  immense  stifles,  broad  flat  legs 
which  he  keeps  well  under  him  and  has  an  extra  turn  of  speed. 
Day  Star  was  bred  by  Jno.  M.  Clay,  Esq.,  Ashland,  near  Lex- 
ington, Ky.,  and  purchased  a  yearling  by  T.  J.  Nichols,  Paris, 
Ky.,  for  $825,  by  Star  Davis  out  of  Squeez'em  by  Lexington, 
her  dam  Skedaddle  by  imp.  Yorkshire,  out  of  Magnolia,  by  imp. 
Glencoe,  the  dam  of  Daniel  Boone,  Kentucky  Gilroy,  &c,  &c. 
Day  Star  has  a  double  Glencoe  cross  through  his  sire  Star  Davis, 
and  his  great  grandam  Magnolia. 

summary 

The  Kentucky  Derby,  for  three-year-olds;  $50  p.  p.,  with 
$1,500    added;     second    to    have    $200.      Dash    of     V/2    miles. 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  19 


56  nominations,  three  of  whom  are  dead.     Value  $4,150.     Colts 
100  lbs.,  fillies  97  lbs. 

T.  J.  Nichols'  ch  c  Day  Star,  by  Star  Davis,  dam  Squeez'em, 
Carter 1 

B.  G.  Thomas'  b  c  Himyar,  by  Alarm,  dam  Hira,  Robinson. . .     2 

R.  H.  Owen's  b  c  Leveller,  by  Lever,  dam  Sly  Boots,  Swim..     3 

L.   P.  Tarlton,  Jr.'s  b  c   Solicitor  by   Enquirer,   dam   Saliie, 
Edward   0 

Gen.  A.  Buford's  ch  c  McHenry,  by  Enquirer,  dam  Ontario, 
James  0 

Rodes   &    Carr's    b    c    Respond,    by    Enquirer,    dam    by    imp. 
Bonnie  Scotland,  R'amey  0 

J.  M.  Wooding's  ch  c  Burgundy,  by  imp.  Bonnie  Scotland,  dam 
La  Bluette,  L.  Jones  0 

A.  iStraus  &  Co.'s  ch  c  Earl  of   Beaconsfield,   by   Enquirer, 
dam  Geneura,  Mahoney  0 

Jennings  &  Hunt's  b  c  Charlie  Bush,  by  John  Morgan,  dam 
Annie  Bush,   Miller    0 

Time— 2 :37y4 

Betting-^Himyar  $305;  Field  $110.  With  Himyar  out,  Day 
Star,  Burgundy  and  Leveller  sold  about  even. 

FIFTH  DERBY  1879 

For  the  Kentucky  Derby,  Lord  Murphy  was  made  the  favorite 
at  nearly  even  against  the  field,  and  fully  justified  the  high 
opinion  in  which  he  is  held  by  his  friends  in  running  the  fastest 
Kentucky  Derby  on  record.  His  trainer,  George  H.  Rice, 
brought  him  to  the  post  in  the  pink  of  order.  Though 
Falsetto  and  Strathmore  were  defeated  they  lost  no  credit 
and  proved  themselves  excellent  colts,  and  we  should  not  be 
surprised  to  see  Falsetto  rank  yet  with  the  best  of  the  year. 


20  HISTORY    OF    THE 


The  entire  lot  went  away  like  a  platoon  of  cavalry  in  line 
to  a  beautiful  start,  Gen.  Pike  in  the  lead,  Strathmore  second, 
Lord  Murphy,  who  got  knocked  to  his  knees  on  the  first  turn, 
third,  Wissahicon  fourth,  Trinidad  fifth,  One  Dime  sixth,  Ada 
Glen  seventh,  Buckner  eighth,  Falsetto  ninth.  Half  way  round 
the  turn  the  lot  were  so  closely  bunched  that  it  was  impossible 
to  distinguish  the  colors  in  the  clouds  of  dust.  At  the  three- 
quarter  pole  Ada  Glen  was  first,  lapped  by  Gen.  Pike,  Strath- 
more and  Lord  Murphy.  At  the  stand  Gen.  Pike  was  a  head 
in  front  of  Strathmore  second,  he  lapped  by  Trinidad,  then  came 
the  second  division  a  length  off,  composed  of  One  Dime,  Wissa- 
hicon, Lord  Murphy  and  Ada  Glen,  followed  by  Buckner 
eighth  and  Falsetto  ninth.  They  had  hardly  gone  under  the 
string  until  Strathmore  was  a  length  in  front  of  Gen.  Pike,  who 
was  lapped  by  Trinidad.  Going  round  the  turn  the  pace  was 
fast,  Strathmore  still  leading  at  the  quarter  pole.  Just  after 
passing  the  quarter  Lord  Murphy  took  second  place,  One  Dime 
third,  Gen.  Pike  and  Trinidad  dropping  back.  Before  reaching 
the  half-mile  Lord  Murphy  lapped  and  showed  in  front  of 
Strathmore  second,  One  Dime  third,  Falsetto  fourth.  Lord 
Murphy  was  a  length  in  front  on  the  lower  turn  and  at  the 
three-quarter  pole,  Strathmore  second,  two  lengths  in  front  of 
One  Dime  third,  who  was  lapped  by  Falsetto.  Entering  the 
stretch  Falsetto  came  with  a  rush  and  passed  One  Dime  and 
Strathmore  and  half  way  down  lapped  Lord  Murphy.  A  most 
exciting  race  took  place  between  the  pair  to  within  forty  yards 
of  the  stand,  where  Lord  Murphy  drew  clear  and  won  the  race 
by  a  length  and  a  half,  Falsetto  second,  three  lengths  in  front 
of  Strathmore  third,  followed  by  Trinidad  fourth,  Ada  Glen 
fifth,  One  Dime  sixth,  Gen.  Pike  seventh,  Buckner  eighth,  Wis- 
sahicon ninth.     Mile  1:45;  race  2:37. 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  21 


DESCRIPTION    OF    WINNER 

Lord  Murphy  (formerly  Patmos),  bay  colt,  star  and  snip 
running  down  over  the  nostrils,  with  two  white  heels  behind 
extending  nearly  half  way  to  the  hocks.  He  stands  full  15 
hands  Zl/2  inches  high,  has  a  neat  head  and  neck,  plenty  of 
length,  good  hips,  quarters  and  stifles,  with  sound  feet  and  legs. 
He  has  a  great  turn  of  speed,  the  first  and  greatest  requisite 
in  a  race  horse,  and  is  a  Lexington  looking  youngster,  and  must 
bring  his  sire,  Pat  Malloy,  prominently  to  the  front  as  one  of 
the  best  sons  of  Lexington  at  the  stud. 

Lord  Murphy  was  bred  by  J.  T.  Carter,  Gallatin,  Tenn.,  and 
purchased  the  spring  he  was  two  years  old  by  Messrs.  G.  W. 
Darden  and  G.  H.  Rice  of  Nashville,  Tenn.,  by  Pat  Malloy,  out 
of  Wenonah  by  Capt.  Elgee,  her  dam  by  imp.  Albion,  out  of  a 
mare  by  Pacific,  running  back  through  Bet  Bosley,  by  imp. 
Bluster  to  imported  Mare  of  Harrison  of  Brandon. 

SUMMARY 

The  Kentucky  Derby,  for  three-year-olds,  $50  entrance, 
play  or  pay,  with  $1,500  added;  $200  to  second  horse; 
dash  of  one  mile  and  a  half.  Value  of  stake  $3,800.  Colts  100 
lbs.,  fillies  and  geldings  97  lbs.    46  nominations. 

Geo.  W.  Darden  &  Co.'s  br  c  Lord  Murphy,  by  Pat  Malloy, 

dam  Wenonah,  Shauer  1 

J.  W.  H.  Reynolds'  b  c  Falsetto,  by  Enquirer,  dam  Farfal- 

letta,   Murphy    2 

George    Cadwillader's    b    c    Strathmore,    by    Waverly,    dam 

Brenna,  Hightower  3 

D.    Swigert's    br    c    Trinidad,    by    Australian,    dam    Bonnett, 

Allen 0 

G.  W.  Bowen  &  Co.'s  ch  c  One  Dime,  by  Wanderer,  dam  by 

Scythian,  Jones  0 


22^ HISTORY    OF    THE 

A.  Bu ford's  General  Pike,  by  Longfellow,  dam  Nannie  Mc- 
Nairy,    Stovall    0 

H.  W.  Farris'  ch  c  Buckner,  by  Buckden,  dam  Tick,  Edwards.     0 

H.  P.  McGrath's  br  f  Wissahicon,  by  Leamington,  dam  Sar- 
ong,  Hawkins    0 

G.  D.  Wilson's  en  f  Ada  Glen,  by  Glenelg,  dam  Catina,  Ramie    0 

Time— 2 :37 

Betting— Lord    Murphy    $175,    Strathmore    and    Falsetto   $60 
each,  Trinidad  $45,  Ada  Glen  $25,  Field  $30. 


SIXTH    DERBY   1880 

The  Derby  was  booked  a  moral  for  Kimball.  While  it  was  a 
great  disappointment  to  his  backers  to  see  him  lower  his  colors  to 
Fonso,  he  lost  no  credit  in  the  race,  for  in  our  judgment  it  is  by 
odds  the  best  Derby  ever  run  since  its  inauguration,  when  every- 
thing is  taken  into  consideration.  The  colts  carried  five  pounds 
more  this  year  than  heretofore,  and  the  track  was  certainly  a  sec- 
ond slower  than  we  have  seen  it  any  previous  year,  Fonso  covering 
himself  with  honor,  and  must  bring  his  sire  prominently  to  the  front. 
Fonso  cut  out  his  own  work,  did  all  the  running,  held  the  lead 
from  start  to  finish,  and  won  like  a  first-class  racehorse.  The 
last  mile  was  run  in  1 :44J4»  and  the  last  half  in  51^4  seconds, 
showing  it  to  be  a  splendid  race.  Such  a  performance  as  that 
of  Kimball  would  have  won  five  out  of  six  Derbies. 

With  little  or  no  delay  the  five  went  away  to  a  good  start, 
Fonso  in  the  lead,  lapped  by  Kimball,  Boulevard  third,  Bancroft 
fourth,  Quito  fifth.  Fonso  cut  out  the  work  at  a  good  pace,  and 
led  Kimball  by  a  length  at  the  three-quarters,  which  he  held  at 
the  stand,  Boulevard  half  a  length  from  him,  third,  Quito 
fourth,  Bancroft  fifth.  Going  round  the  upper  turn  Foso  in- 
creased his  lead  and  passing  the  quarter  was  two  lengths  in  front 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  23 

of  Kimball  second,  Boulevard  third,  Quito  fourth,  Bancroft  fifth, 
about  a  length  each  separating  the  last  four  named.  Nearing 
the  half  mile  Kimball  drew  up  to  Fonso,  when  the  latter  received 
a  cut  of  the  whip  and  darted  away  again,  Bancroft  taking  third 
place,  Boulevard  fourth,  Quito  fifth.  It  was  a  beautiful  race 
round  the  lower  turn.  Entering  the  stretch  Kimball  was  at 
Fonso's  quarters,  the  race  being  reduced  to  a  match  between 
the  two.  Fairly  in  the  home  stretch  both  were  whipping,  Fonso 
answering  gamely  to  the  three  or  four  licks  he  received,  came  away 
and  won  a  splendid  race  a  little  over  a  length,  Kimball  second,  two 
lengths  in  front  of  Bancroft  third,  he  a  length  in  front  of 
Boulevard  fourth,  and  Quito  four  lengths  from  him  finished 
fifth.  Half  mile  53%,  three-quarters  1  :19^4,  mile  1  :46%,  race 
2:37^2.     The  mile  from  the  stand  back  to  the  stand  was  run  in 


DESCRIPTION  OF  WINNER 

Fonso  is  a  dark  chestnut  colt,  with  a  star  and  two  white 
feet  behind  up  over  the  pasterns.  He  has  grown  and  thickened 
greatly  since  last  year,  and  stands  full  15^4  hands  high.  He  is 
a  very  neat,  wiry  colt,  with  a  good  head  and  rather  short  neck, 
which  runs  into  well  inclined  shoulders.  He  has  great  length  of 
body,  deep  through  the  heart,  good  hips  and  stifles  with  sound 
feet  and  legs.  He  has  the  best  of  tempers,  and  is  rather  inclined 
to  need  forcing  to  make  him  run. 

He  was  bred  by  A.  J.  Alexander,  Woodburn  Farm,  Spring 
Station,  Ky.,  and  purchased  as  a  yearling  by  J.  S.  Shawhan, 
Shawhan,  Ky.,  for  $200,  by  King  Alfonso,  out  of  imp.  Weather- 
witch  by  Weatherbit,  her  dam  by  Irish  Birdcatcher,  out  of 
Colocynth. 


24  FITS  TORY     OF    THE 


SUMMARY 

The  Kentucky  Derby,  for  three-year-olds,  $100  entrance, 
half  forfeit,  with  $1,500  added,  of  which  $200  to  second. 
\y2   miles,     47   entries,    four  of   whom   are   dead.     Value  $3,850. 

J.  S.  Shawhan's  ch  c  Fonso,  by  King  Alfonso,  dam  imp 
Weatherwitch,  105   lbs.,  Lewis    1 

W.  Cottrill's  ch  c  Kimball,  by  Buckden,  dam  Meta  H.,  105 
lbs.,  Lakeland   2 

M.  Young's  ch  c  Bancroft,  by  Bonnie  Scotland,  dam  Planch- 
ette,  105  lbs.,  Murphy  3 

W.  C.  McGavock  &  Co.'s  ch  c  Boulevard,  by  Bonnie  Scot- 
land, dam  Mariposa,  105  lbs.,  Allen   0 

Dwyer  Bros.'  b  c  Quito,  by  King  Alfonso,  dam  Crucifix, 
105  lbs.,  McLaughlin  0 

Time— 2:37 /2 

Betting— Kimball  $700,  Quito  $362,  Fonso  $222,  Bancroft  $50, 
Boulevard  $ . 

SEVENTH  DERBY  1881 

On  Tuesday  morning,  "Derby  Day,"  the  sun  rose  clear  and 
not  a  cloud  was  to  be  seen,  which  with  westerly  wind  was  the 
precursor  of  a  gloriously  fine  day.  The  attendance  was 
very  large.  All  the  stands  and  betting  enclosures  were 
inconveniently  crowded,  and  in  the  inner  field  the  rails 
for  near  a  quarter  of  a  mile  were  lined  with  people 
from  six  to  ten  deep,  while  the  field,  clad  in  the  greenest  of  spring 
verdure,  was  thickly  dotted  over  with  every  variety  of  convey- 
ance, from  the  cart  to  the  splendid  coach  and  landau. 

For  the  Kentucky  Derby,  only  half  a  dozen  sported 
silk  for  this  valuable  and  important  event.  Hindoo  was 
such  a  big  favorite  that  little  money  was  wagered  on 
him,  he  being  the  favorite  at  5  to  2  over  the  field.     The  race 


K  E  N  T  U  C  K  Y    D  E  R  B  Y  25 


was  never  in  doubt,  but  Hindoo  had  to  have  the  whip,  his  jockey 
giving  him  two  raps  as  he  entered  the  stretch,  and  he  won  easy 
at  the  finish  by  four  lengths,  Lelex  beating  Alfambra  half  a 
length  for  second  place.  The  official  time  of  the  race,  2:40,  is 
not  correct,  but  will  have  to  stand.  The  party  throwing  the 
flag  threw  it  as  soon  as  the  drum  tapped,  long  before  the  horses 
reached  the  pole.     The  correct  time  is  2  :38^2. 

Calycanthus  was  not  disposed  to  join  his  horses,  but  was 
finally  brought  up,  Lelex  in  the  lead,  Calycanthus  second,  Hin- 
doo third,  Getaway  fourth,  Alfambra  fifth,  Sligo  sixth.  Before 
reaching  the  three-quarter  pole  Calycanthus  took  the  lead,  with 
Lelex  second,  Hindoo  third.  Passing  the  stand  Calycanthus 
was  half  a  length  in  front  of  Hindoo,  second,  who  was  a  like 
distance  ahead  of  Lelex,  third,  followed  by  Sligo,  Alfambra 
and  Getaway.  At  the  quarter  Hindoo  was  a  head  in  front  of 
Calycanthus,  Lelex  third,  Sligo  fourth.  Before  reaching  the 
half  Lelex  was  a  length  in  front  and  the  cry  went  up  that  Hin- 
doo, who  was  second,  was  beaten,  Sligo  third.  On  the  lower 
turn  Hindoo  moved  up  and  showed  in  front,  and  on  entering 
the  stretch  began  to  loaf  a  little,  and  his  jockey  gave  him  a 
couple  of  raps  with  the  whip  as  a  reminder,  and  he  came  away 
and  won  easy  at  the  finish  by  four  lengths.  Lelex  beat  Alfam- 
bra a  half  length  for  second  place,  after  a  whipping  race  home. 
Sligo  two  lengths  from  Alfambra,  fourth,  Getaway  fifth,  Caly- 
canthus sixth.     Mile,  1  -A7l/2 ;  race,  2  :40. 

DESCRIPTION   OF   WINNER    AND   PEDIGREE 

Hindoo  is  a  dark  bay  colt,  with  a  star  in  his  forehead  and  a 
slight  number  of  gray  hairs  running  down  his  face,  and  right 
hind  foot  white  up  to  the  pastern.  He  has  grown  and  thickened 
.since  last  year,  and  will   make  a    16-hand  horse.     His  head  is 


26  HISTORY    OF    THE 


plain  but  intelligent,  and  he  has  a  stout  neck,  well  inclined 
shoulders,  stout  middle  piece,  great  depth  through  the  heart, 
a  trifle  long  in  the  back,  good  hips,  quarters,  and  stifles,  with 
sound  feet  and  legs,  and  his  action  when  extended  is  easy  and 
frictionless.  Hindoo  was  bred  by  D.  Swigert,  Stockwood  farm, 
Spring  Station,  Ky.,  and  purchased  at  two-years-old  by  his  pres- 
ent owners  for  $15,000.  He  started  nine  times  at  two-years-old 
and  won  seven.  He  has  started  twice  this  season  and  won  the 
Blue  Ribbon  1  y2  miles  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  in  2 :38,  and  the 
Kentucky  Derby,  \l/2  miles,  at  Louisville,  in  2:40.  He  has 
twenty-four  more  engagements  this  year,  and,  barring  accidents, 
in  our  opinion,  they  all  lay  at  his  mercy. 

SUMMARY 

The  Kentucky  Derby,  for  three-year-olds;  $100  each, 
half  forfeit,  or  onlv  $20  if  declared  out  bv  May  1st,  1880. 
and  $40  if  declared  out  by  May  1st,  1881,  with  $1,500  added;  $200 
to  second,  \l/2  miles.  (62  subscribers,  of  whom  9  declared,  and 
two  of  whom  are  void  by  death  of  nominator).  Value  $4,610. 
Colts  105  lbs.,  fillies  and  geldings  102  lbs. 
Dwyer  Bros.'  b  c  Hindoo,  by  Virgil,  dam  Florine  by  Lex- 
ington ;    McLaughlin    1 

B.   G.   Thomas'    b  g   Lelex,   by   Lelaps,   dam   War   Reel;   A. 

Allen 2 

G.  W.  Bowen  &  Co.'s  b  c  Alfambra,  by  King  Alfonso,  dam 

Luileme ;   Evans    3 

H.   P.   McGrath's  ch  c  Sligo,  by  Tom   Bowling  dam  Petty ; 

Donohue    0 

M.   Young's   b    c   Getaway,   by   Enquirer,    dam    by    Colossus; 

Fisher    0 

H.    P.   McGrath's    b   c    Calycanthus.    by    Tom    Bowling,    dam 

Oleander ;    G.    Smith    0 

Time— 2 :40 

Betting— Hindoo  $500,  Lelex  $70,  McGrath  $70,  Alfambra  $40, 
Getaway  $25. 


KENTUCKYDERBY  27 


EIGHTH  DERBY  1882 

The  fourteen  candidates  promptly  assembled  at  the  post,  and 
at  the  fourth  attempt  the  lot  were  sent  away  to  a  miserable, 
scattering  start,  Harry  Gilmore  in  the  lead,  Babcock  second, 
Robert  Bruce  third,  Bengal  fourth,  Runnymede  fifth,  followed 
by  the  Pat  Malloy-Canary  Bird  colt,  Apollo,  Wallensee,  Lost 
Cause,  Wendover,  Monogram,  Highflyer,  Newsboy  and  Mistral, 
the  latter  getting  away  six  lengths  behind  Newsboy.  Passing 
the  three-quarter  pole  Babcock  was  first,  Bruce  second,  Harry  Gil- 
more  third,  Bengal  fourth,  Runnymede  fifth,  Apollo  sixth,  the 
rest  tailed  off.  Passing  the  stand  Bruce  and  Harry  Gilmore  were 
head  and  head,  a  length  in  front  of  Babcock  third,  Runnymede 
fourth,  Bengal  fifth,  Apollo  sixth,  the  rest  out  of  the  race.  No 
change  on  the  turn,  but  at  the  quarter  Harry  Gilmore  was  a 
half  length  in  front  of  Bruce  second,  a  length  ahead  of  Runny- 
mede third.  Before  reaching  the  half  Bruce,  having  shot  his 
bolt,  retired,  Babcock  taking  second  place,  Runnymede  third, 
Bengal  fourth,  Apollo  fifth.  The  five  took  closer  order  on  the 
turn,  and  entering  the  stretch  Harry  Gilmore  was  a  half  length  in 
front  of  Runnymede  second,  Babcock  and  Apollo  lapped,  Bengal 
close  up.  Half  way  down  it  looked  to  be  Runnymede's  race,  he, 
running  easy  with  his  mouth  wide  open,  and  the  shout  went  up 
that  he  would  win,  but  inside  the  furlong  pole  he  quit,  and  Apollo 
coming  with  a  wet  sail  after  a  driving  race  won  by  a  length, 
Runnymede  second,  two  lengths  ahead  of  Bengal  third,  followed 
by  Harry  Gilmore,  Monogram,  Babcock,  Wendover,  Mistral, 
Wallensee,  Pat  Malloy  colt,  Highflyer,  Newsboy,  Bruce  and  Lost 
Cause  in  the  order  named.  First  half  51^2,  first  mile  1:46*4, 
mile  from  stand  to  stand  1  :48'34,  race  2:40J4. 

SUMMARY 

The  Kentucky  Derby,  for  three-year-olds,  $100  entrance, 
half     forfeit,     $20     if    declared     May     1st,     1881;     $40     if     de- 


28  HISTORY    OF    THE 

dared  May  1st,   1882,  with  $1,500  added;  second  to  have  $200. 
iy2  miles.    64  entries.    Colts  105  lbs,  fillies  and  geldings  102  lbs. 

Morris  &   Patton's  ch  g  Apollo  by  Ashstead  or  Lever  dam. 

Rebecca  T.  Price;   102  lbs.,  Hurd   1 

Dwyer  Bros.'  br  c  Runnymede  by  Billet,  dim  Mercedes ;  105 

lbs.,   McLaughlin    2 

Bowen  &  Co.'s  br  c  Bengal  3vo  by  Billet  dam  bv  Mahomet ; 

105  lbs.,   Fisher 3 

T.  B.  Sellers  &  Co.'s  eh  c  Wendover  by  Bullion,  dam  Experi- 
ment ;    105    lbs.,    Hovey    0 

W.  Cottrill's  ch  c  Harry  Gilmore  by  Imo.  Buckdcn.  dam  bv 

Wagner;  105  lbs.,  Gibbs   0 

P.  C.  Fox's  ch  c  by  Pat  Malloy,  dam  Canary  Bird;  105  lbs., 

Henderson    0 

A.  Jackson's  b  c  Robt.  Bruce  by  Rouseau,  dam  Barbary ;  105 

lbs.,   L.  Jones    0 

W.  Lakeland's  ch  g  Babcock  by  Buckden,  dam  Ethel  Sprague ; 

102  lbs.,   Kelso 0 

T.  J.  Megihben's  b  c  Newsboy  by  Enquirer,  dam  Mollie 
Hambleton ;    105    lbs.,    Quantrell  " 0 

Rodes  &  Carr's  b  c  Wallensee  by  Waverley,  dam  Phasma; 
107  lbs.,  Parker    0 

L.  P.  Tarlton's  b  c  Mistral  by  Virgil,  dam  Glenella ;  105 
lbs.,  Stoval   0 

M.  Young's  ch  g  Lost   Cause  by  King  Alfonso,  dam  Nellie 

Knight ;  102  lbs.,  Taylor   0 

M.   Young's   b  g  Monogram   by   Buckden,    dam   Monomania ; 

106  lbs.,  Edwards    0 

G.    Kuhns    &   Co.'s   ch   c   Highflyer   by   Hiawatha,    dam    Sue 

Wynne ;  105  lbs.,  Brown   0 

Time— 2  -.40% 

Betting—  Runnvmede  £700.  Mistral  $100,  Wendover  $100.  Lost 
Cause  $80,  Robert  Bruce  $60,  Bengal  $60,  Field  $150. 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  29 

DESCRIPTION    AND    PEDIGREE    OF    WINNER. 

Apollo  is  a  chestnut  gelding,  bred  by  D.  Swigert,  Preakness 
Stud,  Lexington,  Ky.  He  stands  15  hands  half  an  inch  high, 
and  the  only  white  is  on  the  left  hind  pastern.  He  has  a  rather 
heavy,  plain  head,  wide  jowls,  good  stout  neck,  which  fills  up 
his  shoulders  well,  mounts  high  on  the  withers,  deep  chest,  good 
length,  arched  loin,  long  quarters  and  hips,  with  excellent,  clean 
and  bony  legs.  Apollo  is  by  Imp.  Ashstead  or  Lever  (no  doubt 
by  the  latter),  out  of  Rebecca  T.  Price  by  The  Colonel,  her  darn 
by  Imp.  Margrave,  out  of  Rosalie  Summers  by  Sir  Charles,  her 
dam  Mischief  by  Virginian,  out  of  a  mare  by  Imp.  Bedford,  &c. 

NINTH   DERBY   1883 

If  the  prospects  of  a  successful  meeting  were  somewhat  damp- 
ened by  the  heavy  fall  of  rain  for  three  days  previous  to  its 
inauguration,  ample  amends  were  made  for  the  postponement  by 
the  bright  and  genial  sunshine  that  ushered  in  Wednesday  morn- 
ing, and  the  large  and  brilliant  crowd  that  was  in  attendance  on 
Derby  Day.  This  was  more  to  be  wondered  at  for  the  reason  that 
the  weather  had  been  so  unseasonable,  great  coats  and  a  fire  feel- 
ing remarkably  comfortable.  Indeed  in  looking  at  the  vast  sea 
of  upturned  faces,  to  be  seen  in  the  Grand  Stand,  the  lawn  and 
the  field,  we  were  reminded  of  witnessing  our  first  English  Derby, 
when  Umpire,  the  first  American  candidate  who  had  ever  appeared 
for  this  classic  event,  failed  to  obtain  a  place,  and  the  race  was 
won  by  Thormanby,  a  son  of  the  renowned  Alice  Hawthorne,  and 
what  is  remarkable,  it  happened  on  the  same  day,  just  twenty- 
three  years  ago. 

At  the  first  attempt  the  seven  went  away  to  a  good  start,  Leon- 
atus  in  the  lead,  Raglan  second,  Chatter  third,  followed  by  Kellar, 
Pike's  Pride,  Drake  Carter  and  Ascender.     Before  reaching  the 


30 HTSTORY    OF    THE 

three-quarter  pole  Chatter  had  taken  second  place  to  Leonatus, 
Ragland  third,  followed  by  Ascender,  Kellar,  Pride's  Pike  and 
Drake  Carter.  There  was  no  change  at  the  stand,  and  Leonatus 
was  a  length  in  front  of  Chatter  at  the  quarter,  Raglan  third, 
Carter  fourth,  Ascender  fifth,  Kellar  sixth,  Pike's  Pride  last. 
Before  reaching  the  half  Ascender  made  a  spurt  and  was  third, 
but  he  soon  died  away,  Drake  Carter  taking  third  place.  The 
truth  of  the  whole  affair  summed  up  in  a  nut-shell  is  that  Leon- 
atus took  the  lead,  made  all  his  own  running,  was  never  headed, 
and  won  it  in  a  big  gallop  by  three  lengths,  Drake  Carter  second, 
a  half  length  in  from  of  Lord  Raglan  third,  Ascender  fourth, 
Kellar  fifth,  Pike's  Pride  sixth,  Chatter  last.  First  quarter  27l/2, 
half  54,  mile  1  :49,  race  2  :43. 

DESCRIPTION    OF    THE    WINNER 

Leonatus  is  a  rich  bay,  blaze  face,  and  two  white  heels  behind 
above  the  pasterns.  He  stands  full  15^4  hands  high,  and  is 
certainly  one  of  the  smoothest  and  neatest  sons  of  his  distin- 
guished sire.  He  has  a  neat,  handsome  head,  stout  neck,  well 
inclined  shoulders,  good  middle  piece,  with  great  length,  excellent 
back  and  loins,  and  full  hips  and  quarters,  on  sound  good  legs. 
He  is  rapid  in  motion,  and  keeps  legs  well  under  him.  He  was 
bred  by  Mr.  J.  Henry  Miller,  Lexington,  Ky.,  and  sold  last  winter 
to  his  present  owners  for  $5,000.  He  is  engaged  in  fifteen  more 
stakes  this  year. 

SUMMARY 

The  Kentucky  Derby,  for  three-vear-olds,  $100  entrance, 
half  forfeit,  $20  if  declared  May  1st,  1882;  $40  if  de- 
clared May  1st,  1883,  with  $1,500  added;  of  which  $200  to  second, 
\]/2  miles.  50  entries,  3  void,  1  declared  May,  1882,  8  declared 
May    1883;   value  $4,020. 

Chinn  &  Morgan's  b  c  Leonatus  by  Longfellow  dam  Semper 
Felix;   105  lbs.,  Donohue 1 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  31 

Morris  &  Patton's  b  g  Drake  Carter  by  Ten   Broeck,  dam 

Platina;   102  lbs.,   Spillman 2 

N.  Armstrong's  ch  c  Lord  Raglan  by  Ten  Broeck,  dam  Catina; 

105   lbs.,   Quantrell    3 

R.  C.  Pate's  b  g  Ascender  by  Buckden,  dam  Ascension;   102 

lbs.,  Stoval  0 

George  Evan's  ch  f  Pike's  Pride  by  Imp  King  Ban,  dam  Lou 

Pike ;  102  lbs.,  Evans  0 

W.   C.    McCurdy's   b   c   Chatter   by   Whisper,   dam    Carina; 

105  lbs.,  Henderson  0 

J.   R.   Watts'    ch   c  Standi  ford   Kellar   by    Great   Tom,    dam 

Blondin;   105  lbs.,  Blaylock   0 

Time— 2 :43 

Betting-nAscender  $275,  Leonatus  $260,  Raglan  $135,  Carter 
$125,  Kellar  $41,  Chatter  $35,   Pike's   Pride  $20. 

TENTH   DERBY   1884 

Every  year  the  interest  in  the  Kentucky  Derby  increases,  and 
the  desire  to  win  also  increases  with  breeders  and  owners,  until 
it  is  looked  upon  as  a  mark  of  merit  for  the  colt  who  is  fortunate 
enough  to  bear  off  the  Blue  Ribbon  of  the  Turf.  More  interest 
clusters  in  and  about  this  race  than  any  other  of  the  year  in 
America,  and  we  have  heard  a  number  of  prominent  breeders  and 
turfmen  say  that  they  would  rather  win  the  Kentucky  Derby 
than  any  two  events   upon  the  American  turf. 

Bob  Miles  was  slightly  the  favorite  at  the  start,  closely  pressed 
by  Buchanan  and  Audrain,  and  although  the  quality  of  the  nine  com- 
petitors was  a  little  below  the  average  that  have  run  for  the  race, 
it  seemed  to  lend  an  increased  interest  to  the  result.  The  horses 
were  keenly  criticised  on  their  appearance  and  condition  and  little 
knots  could  be  seen  gathered  together  consulting  as  to  who  would 
win.    Audrain  who  got  bumped  about  did  not  run  up  to  his  form 


32  HISTORY    OF    THE 

and  his  race  for  the  Blue  Ribbon  Stakes  at  Lexington,  in  the  mud, 
seemed  to  have  taken  away  his  speed.  The  Admiral  behaved 
badly,  trying  to  bolt  in  the  first  quarter,  and  did  run  out  at  the 
head  of  the  home  stretch.  Buchanan  won  quite  easily,  and  how 
much  he  had  in  hand  we  are  unable  to  say.  Bob  Miles  seemed 
to  labor  from  the  start,  and  the  running  proved  what  we  have 
said  all  the  spring — that  the  Derby  colts  of  this  spring,  taken 
as  a  class,  are  far  inferior  to  any  previous  year. 

Nine  went  to  the  post  and  they  were  started  out  of  the  chute. 
After  two  or  three  breaks  away  the  lot  went  off  to  a  pretty  start. 
Bob  Miles  in  the  lead,  Powhattan  III.  second,  Audrain  third, 
followed  by  The  Admiral,  Loftin,  Bob  Cook,  Exploit,  Buchanan 
and  Boreas.  Entering  the  main  track  The  Admiral  was  in  the 
lead  and  tried  to  bolt,  Bob  Miles  second,  lapped  by  Loftin,  the 
remainder  of  the  lot  bunched  and  in  close  order.  Passing  the 
stand  The  Admiral  was  itwo  lengths  in  front  of  Loftin  second, 
a  length  ahead  of  Powhattan  third,  followed  in  close  order  by 
Bob  Miles,  Exploit,  Audrain,  Bob  Cook,  Buchanan  and  Boreas. 
There  was  no  change  at  the  quarter  except  Bob  Miles  had 
dropped  back  to  seventh  place.  Passing  half  they  began  to  take 
closer  order,  The  Admiral  still  leading  about  a  length,  Loftin 
second,  Bob  Miles,  who  got  the  whip  on  the  back  stretch,  third, 
Bob  Cook  fourth,  the  rest  bunched.  Before  reaching  the  three- 
quarters  Loftin  took  the  lead,  The  Admiral  behaving  badly  and 
dropping  back,  Buchanan  and  Bob  Allies  lapped  second  and  third, 
Audrain  fourth.  Entering  the  stretch  Buchanan  took  the  lead 
and  showed  signs  of  an  inclination  to  run  out,  but  Murphy  soon 
straightened  him  and  he  came  away  and  won  quite  easily  by  a 
length  and  a  half,  Loftin  second  three  parts  of  a  length  in  front 
of  Audrain  third,  Bob  Miles  fourth,  followed  by  Bob  Cook, 
Boreas,  The  Admiral,  Exploit  and  Powhattan  III.  in  the  order 
named.     First  half  52>4>  first  mile  1:47,  race  2:40^4, 


KENTUCKY     DERBY  33 


DESCRIPTION    OF    WINNER 

Buchanan  is  a  good  chestnut  with  a  small  star,  and  stands  full 
16  hands  high.  He  is  a  very  handsome  colt,  with  a  level  and 
symmetrical  frame  on  sound  legs.  The  most  fastidious  critic 
could  but  be  pleased  with  his  general  formation  and  racing-like 
look.  He  was  bred  jointly  by  Capt.  Cottrill,  Mobile,  Ala.,  and 
J.  W.  Guest,  Danville,  Ky.  The  latter  sold  his  half  interest  to 
Capt.  Cottrill,  who  in  turn  sold  a  half  interest  in  him  and  his 
stable  in  training  to  Capt.  S.  S.  Brown  of  Pittsburgh,  Pa.  This 
is  Buchanan's  maiden  win.  He  started  six  times  at  two  years 
old,  was  second  five  times  and  third  once.  He  has  started  twice 
at  three  years  old.  He  was  unplaced  in  the  Belle  Meade  Stakes 
at  Nashville,  1%  miles.  He  bolted  and  finished  second  but 
second  place  was  given  to  Exploit  on  a  claim  of  a  foul,  and  won 
the  Derby  above.  He  has  twenty-four  additional  three-year-old 
engagements.  He  is  by  Buckden,  out  of  Mrs.  Grigsby  by  Wag- 
ner, her  dam  Folly  by  Imp.  Yorkshire,  out  of  Imp.  Fury  by 
Imp.  Priam,  &c. 

SUMMARY 

Third  Race — The  Kentucky  Derby,  for  three-year-olds,  $100 
entrance,  half  forfeit,  $20  if  declared  Mav  1st,  1883;  $40  if  de- 
clared May  1st,  1884,  with  $1,500  added;  of  which  $200  to 
second.  ll/2  miles.  51  subs,  of  whom  16  declared  and  3  dead. 
Value  $4,190. 

W.  Cottrill's  ch  c  Buchanan  by  Buckden,  dam  Airs.  Grigsby; 

110  lbs.,   Murphy    " 1 

R.  A.  Johnson  &  Co.'s  b  c  Loftin  by  Monarchist,  dam  Lilly 

Babbitt;   110  lbs.,   Sayres    2 

T.   J.    Megibben's   ch    c   Audrain   by   Springbok,    dam   Alme; 

110  lbs.,  Fishburn    3 

J.  T.  Williams'  ch  c  Bob   Miles  by   Pat  Malloy,  dam   Dolly 

Morgan  ;  110  lbs.,  McLaughlin 0 


34  HISTORYOFTHE 


Clay  &  Woodford's  br  c  Admiral  by  Vedette,  dam  Regatta; 

110   lbs.,   C   Taylor    0 

R.  A.  Johnson  &  Co.'s  b  c  Powhattan  III.  by  Glenelg,  dam 

Florence  I ;  110  lbs.,  D.  Williams  0 

Wooding  &  Puryear's  b  c  Exploit  by  Enquirer,  dam  Fanny 

Malone ;  110  lbs.,  Conkling   0 

R'.  M.  McClellan's  b  c  Boreas  by  Billet,  dam  Maggie  Morgan ; 

110  lbs.,  O'Brien 0 

Time— 2 :40*4 

Betting— Bob  Miles  $440,  Audrain  $400,  Buchanan  $400, 
Loftin  $160,  field  $240. 

ELEVENTH   DERBY   1885 

A  more  beautiful  morning  could  not  have  been  made  for  the 
opening  day  of  the  Louisville  Jockey  Club.  Not  a  cloud  was 
to  be  seen,  and  the  genial  rays  of  the  sun  made  the  day  most 
charming.  The  Kentucky  Derby  grows  in  interest  with  each 
recurring  year,  and  this  was  its  eleventh  renewal.  There  is 
more  ante-post  betting  on  it  than  on  any  race  in  this  country, 
and  the  winner  is  generally  awarded  the  highest  honor  as  a 
three-year  old. 

The  track  was  in  splendid  order,  except  the  chute,  which  has 
not  been  galloped  over  and  was  deep  and  dusty.  The  grounds 
looked  neat  and  clean  with  its  holiday  suit  of  whitewash,  which 
was  a  pretty  contrast  with  the  emerald  green  of  the  grass  on 
the  inner  field. 

The  attendance  was  immense,  the  largest  ever  seen  on  a  race 
track  in  Kentucky  save  the  Ten  Broeck-Mollie  McCarthy  match. 
The  inner  field  was  full  of  all  kinds  of  vehicles  and  conveyances, 
while  the  training  track  was  packed  full  of  people  from  the 
head  of  the  homestretch  down  past  the  grand  stand  and  well 
around   the  turn,   nearly  half   a   mile  of   people   almost   solidly 


KENTUCKY    DERBY 35 

packed.  Here  and  there  could  be  seen  a  number  of  heads  on 
the  turn  peeping  out  under  the  rails,  reminding  one  of  a  lot 
of  frogs  coming  out  to  sun  themselves.  It  was  a  glorious  sight 
to  see — the  grand  stand  literally  packed  with  people  while  the 
inner  field  and  every  available  place,  and  the  stables,  tents  and 
booths  outside  of  the  main  course  were  alive  with  people,  the 
hum  and  noise  coming  up  from  thousands  of  throats  reminded 
one  of  a  grand  chorus  from  a  distant  orchestra. 

The  race  of  the  year,  the  Kentucky  Derby  came,  and 
after  the  ten  were  weighed  in  the  questioning  never  ceased  as 
to  who  would  win  until  it  was  finally  decided.  We  are  perfectly 
satisfied  in  our  own  mind  that  Bersan  would  have  won  if  Favor, 
his  stable  companion,  had  not  crossed  and  interfered  with  him 
to  such  an  extent  at  the  vital  part  of  the  race — the  homestretch. 
The  best  colt  was  second,  and  barring  accidents  he  will  demon- 
strate it  before  the  year  is  over.  He  will  make  a  grand  race 
horse.  We  would  not  rob  Joe  Cotton  of  his  laurels  honestly  won, 
still  we  believe  Bersan  is  a  better  race  horse  over  a  distance 
of  ground. 

Keokuk  cut  out  the  running,  Play  fair  second,  Irish  Pat  third, 
followed  by  Clay  Pate,  Thistle,  Bersan,  Joe  Cotton,  Favor,  Lord 
Coleridge  and  Ten  Booker.  Entering  the  main  track  at  the  three- 
quarter  pole  Keokuk  led,  with  Favor  second,  Joe  Cotton  third, 
rest  well  bunched.  Passing  the  stand  Keokuk  still  led,  Bersan 
second,  Lord  Coleridge  third,  the  pace  slow,  Irish  Pat  fourth, 
followed  in  close  order  by  Playfair,  Favor,  Joe  Cotton,  Thistle. 
Clay  Pate  and  Ten  Booker.  Bersan  showed  in  the  lead  at  the 
quarter,  Keokuk  third,  Irish  Pat  fourth,  rest  bunched.  At  the 
half  Bersan  still  led,  Favor  second,  Joe  Cotton  third,  and  it 
looked  like  a  battle  between  the  stables  of  Williams  and  Morris 
&  Patton.  Entering  the  stretch  Joe  Cotton  showed  in  front  on 
the  outside  with  Favor  next,  and  Bersan  at  the  pole  third,  Thistle 


36  HISTORY    OF    THE 

fourth.  Just  after  fairly  getting  into  straight  running  Favor 
swerved  over  on  Bersan,  cutting  him  off  and  making  him  lose 
several  lengths.  Bersan  had  to  pull  back,  and  less  than  two 
hundreds  yards  from  home  was  two  lengths  behind  Joe  Cotton, 
gaining  at  every  stride.  Joe  Cotton  managed  to  beat  him  on  the 
post  by  a  short  neck.  Ten  Booker,  who  came  very  fast  at  the 
finish,  was  a  length  off  third,  followed  by  Favor,  Thistle,  Keo- 
kuk, Clay  Pate,  Playfair,  Irish  Pat  and  Lord  Coleridge.  The 
first  half  52,  three-quarters  1:19,  first  mile  1:44,  race  2:37^. 

SUMMARY 

Third  Race — The  Kentucky  Derby,  for  three-year-olds ;  $100 
entrance,  h  f ;  $20  if  declared  by  May  1st,  1884;  $40  if  declared  by 
May  1st,  1885;  $1,500  added,  of  which  $200  to  second.  \l/2  miles. 
69  entries.    4  void. 

J.  T.  Williams'  ch  c  Joe  Cotton,  by  King  Alfonso,  dam  In- 
verness ;  110  lbs.,  Henderson 1 

Morris  &  Patton's  b  c  Bersan,  by  Ten  Broeck,  dam  Sallie 
M. ;  110  lbs.,  West   2 

M.  Young's  b  c  Ten  Booker,  by  Ten  Broeck,  dam  Nellie 
Booker ;  110  lbs.,  Stovall  3 

Morris  &  Patton's  b  c  Favor,  by  Pat  Mallov,  dam  Favorite ; 
110  lbs.,  Thompkins 0 

E.  Corrigan's  ch  c  Irish  Pat,  by  Pat  Malloy,  dam  Ethel;  110 
lbs.,  Murphy 0 

P.  G.   Speth's  ch  c  Thistle,  by  Great  Tom,  dam   Ivy  Leaf ; 

110  lbs.,  Blaylock  0 

W.  Cottrill's  ch  g  Lord  Coleridge,  by  Buckden,  dam  Catina ; 

107  lbs.,  Hughes  0 

R.  C.  Pate's  b  c  Clay  Pate,  by  Enquirer,  dam  Wampee;  110 

lbs.,  Withers    0 

G.  W.  Darden  &  Co.'s  ch  g  Plavfair,  by  Plenipo,  dam  Annie 

C. ;  107  lbs.,  Conkling 0 


KENTUCKY    DERBY 


37 


W.  P.  Hunt's  .br  c  Keokuk,  by  Long  Taw,  dam  Etta  Powell ; 
110  lbs.,  Fishburne  0 

Time— 2 :37JA. 

Betting— Joe  Cotton  $500,  Biersan  and  Favor  $215,  Ten  Booker 
$75,  Irish  Pat  $40,  Play  fair  and  Thistle  $35  each,  Lord  Coleridge 
$25,  field  $30. 

TWELFTH    DERBY    1886 

While  the  weather  was  cloudy  and  hot  and  looked  threaten- 
ing, the  rain  held  off  during  the  day.  The  track  while  not  so 
fast  as  we  have  seen  it  was  in  capital  condition,  safe  and  good. 
The  attendance  was  very  large,  fully  ten  thousand  people  were 
on  the  grounds.  The  populace  availed  themselves  of  free  en- 
trance to  the  inner  field,  which  had  a  large  number  of  people, 
on  foot  and  in  all  kinds  of  vehicles.  The  inside  or  training  track 
was  lined  with  people  from  the  timing  stand  to  near  the  three- 
quarter  pole.  The  Grand  Stand  and  betting  ring  was  crowded  to 
overflowing,  and  the  ladies  were  out  in  large  numbers.  For  the 
twelfth  Derby,  ten  started,  Ben  Ali  was  the  favorite,  Free  Knight 
second  choice  and  Blue  Wing  third.  Ben  Ali  won  it  is  true,  but 
we  doubt  whether  he  was  up  to  concert  pilch,  but  we  confess  Blue 
Wing  is  a  much  better  colt  that  we  gave  him  credit  of  being,  and 
think  he  ought  to  have  won  the  race.  He  ran  wide  on  the  turn ; 
his  jockey  let  him  swerve  just  at  the  critical  point  of  the  race, 
and  was  only  beaten  three  parts  of  a  length.  Free  Knight  ran  a 
good  race — indeed  it  is  the  best  field  we  have  seen  since  Aristide's 
year.  There  is  hardly  a  starter  in  the  race  but  what  will  pay  his 
way  and  be  a  useful  horse.  This  is  the  third  time  the  race  has 
been  won  by  a  son  of  Virgil — Vagrant,  Hindoo  and  Ben  Ali — 
and  Vera   Cruz  would  have  won  save  an  accident  at  the  start. 


38  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Seven  of  the  starters  were  bred  in  Kentucky — Ben  Ali,  Blue  Wing, 
Free  Knight,  Sir  Joseph,  Grimaldi,  Harrodsburg  and  Master- 
piece; and  Lafitte  and  Jim  Gray  are  by  Kentucky  owned  stal- 
lions, and  the  sire  and'  dam  of  Lijero  were  bred  in  Kentucky, 
showing  the  State  still  holds  the  highest  place  in  the  production 
of  the  horse.  Take  it  all  through  it  was  the  best  race,  so  far 
as  interest  and  contest  are  concerned,  ever  run  for  the  Derby 
or  any  other  race,  and  we  doubt  if  such  a  field  and  such  a  con- 
test will  be  witnessed  again  during  the  year.  Every  year  seems 
to  add  interest  to  this  great  race.  It  will  be  seen  by  the  time 
made  that  the  pace  was  a  hot  one  from  start  to  finish,  and 
few  such  races  from  the  time  standard  have  been  run  so  early 
in  the  year  with  118  lbs.  up  and  by  the  way  this  is  the  first  year 
the  weights  have  been  118  lbs.,  and  is  the  fastest  run  race. 

The  start  was  a  beautiful  one,  the  ten  horses  going  away  on 
even  terms,  Blue  Wing  in  the  lead,  Grimaldi  second,  Master- 
piece third,  followed  by  Sir  Joseph,  Ben  AH,  Free  Knight,  Jim 
Gray,  Harrodsburg,  Lijero,  and  Lafitte  in  order  named.  Master- 
piece took  the  lead  as  they  entered  the  main  track,  Grimaldi 
second,  Blue  Wing  third,  rest  well  up  bunched.  Passing  the 
stand  Masterpiece  still  led,  Harrodsburg  second,  Jim  Gray  third, 
Free  Knight  fourth,  rest  in  close  order.  There  was  no  change 
at  the  quarter,  but  the  pace  was  still  hot.  Nearing  the  half, 
Free  Knight  was  a  head  in  front  of  Harrodsburg  second,  Jim 
Gray  a  head  behind  him  third,  with  Ben  Ali,  Blue  Wing  and 
Masterpiece  close  up  and  bunched.  At  the  three-quarter  pole, 
entering  the  homestretch,  Free  Knight  was  a  half  length  in 
front  of  Ben  Ali  second,  Blue  Wing  third.  Now  commenced  the 
real  struggle  for  the  race.  All  three  were  driving,  Ben  Ali 
and  Blue  Wing  were  head  and  head  at  the  furlong  pole,  Free 
Knight  a  half  length  behind.  Blue  Wing  swerved  to  the  outside 
and  lost  some  ground,   and   Ben   Ali  gained  a   length   or  more 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  39 

when  he  entered  the  stretch.  Fitzpatrick  rode  wide  on  the  turn, 
carrying  Blue  Wing  out,  which  enabled  Ben  AH  to  take  the 
rail.  After  a  driving  race  home,  Ben  AH  won  by  a  scant  three 
parts  of  a  length,  Blue  Wing  second,  two  lengths  in  front  of 
Free  Knight  third,  followed  by  Lijero,  Jim  Gray,  Grimaldi,  Sir 
Joseph,  Harrodsburg,  Lafitte  and  Masterpiece  in  the  order  named. 
Time — half  50,  three-quarters  1  :16,  mile  1.43,  mile  and  a  quarter 
2:10,  race  2:36^. 

SUMMARY 

Third  Race — The  Kentucky  Derby,  for  three-year  olds;  $100 
entrance,  h  f ;  or  only  $10  if  declared  on  or  before  May  1,  1885 
or  $20  if  declared  on  or  before  May  1,  1886;  money  to  accom- 
pany declaration ;  with  $1,500  added,  of  which  $300  to  second  and 
$150  to  third.  \]/2  miles.  107  entries  3  void  by  death  of  nomi- 
nator, 5  declared  May  1st,  1885  and  52  May  1st,  1886.  Value 
$5,440. 

J.  B.  Haggin's  br  c  Ben  AH  'by  Virgil,  dam  Ulrica;  118  lbs., 
Duffy    1 

Melbourne  Stable's  b  c  Blue  Wing  by  Billet,  dam  Mundane; 
1 18  lbs.,  Garrison    2 

P.  Corrigan's  b  c  Free  Knight  by  Ten  Broeck,  dam  Belle 
Knight ;    118  lbs.,   Fitzpatrick    3 

S.  S.  Brown's  b  c  Masterpiece  by  Blue  Mantle,  dam  Phoebe 
Mayflower ;    118    lbs.,    West    0 

E.  J.  Baldwin's  b  c  Lijero  by  Rutherford,  dam  Jennie  D. ;  118 
lbs.,  I.  Murphy   0 

Gray  &  Co.'s  b  c  Jim  Gray  by  Ten  Broeck,  dam  Alice  Gray ; 
118   lbs.,    Withers    0 

J.  G.  Greener  &  Co.'s  br  c  Lantte  by  Longfellow,  dam  Sue 
Wynne ;  118  lbs.,  Stoval   0 

R'.  A.  'Swigert's  ch  c  Sir  Joseph  by  Glenelg,  dam  Susie  Lin- 
wood  ;    1 18   lbs.,    Conkling    0 

J.  &  J.  Swigert's  b  c  Grimaldi  by  Lisbon,  dam  Nora;  118 
lbs.,   I.   Lewis    0 


-10  HISTORYOFTHE 

Chinn   &  Morgan's   ch   c  Harrodsburg  by   Fellowcraft,  dam 
Bonnie  May;  118  lbs.,  J.  Riley   0 

Time— 2 :36V2 

Betting— Ben  Ali  $500,  Free  Knight  $370,  Blue  Wing  $260, 
Jim  Gray  $115;  field  $140. 

THIRTEENTH  DERBY  1887 

The  morning  was  cloudy  and  threatening,  and  it  rained  all 
around  but  fortune  seems  to  favor  the  Louisville  Jockey  Club, 
and  only  a  few  drops  of  rain  fell  during  the  day.  The  attendance 
was  very  large,  the  Grand  Stand,  hettmg  grounds  and  inner 
space  were  packed  with  people,  so  much  so  that  navigation  was 
almost  impossible ;  the  inner  field  was  full  of  people  and  vehicles 
and  the  crowd  lining  the  inner  fence  extended  from  the  head  of 
the  stretch  down  past  the  Grand  Stand  and  for  an  eighth  oi: 
a  mile  around  the  first  turn. 

The  Derby  was  a  fairly  good  race,  as  the  track  was  slower 
than  many  supposed.  In  our  issue  of  last  week  we  selected  Ban- 
burg,  Jacobin  and  Jim  Gore  as  the  three  placed  horses,  and  at 
the  same  time  stated  that  the  form  shown  by  Montrose  at  Lex- 
ington was  not  his  true  form,  but  was  unable  to  say  what  was  the 
matter  with  the  colt.  We  expressed  the  opinion  that  we  thought 
Jim  Gore  would  win  the  Derby  if  he  did  not  break  down  in 
the  race,  and  unfortunately  his  leg  gave  away  at  the  half  mile 
pole,  so  his  jockey,  Fitzpatrick,  stated,  and  that  he  could  not 
have  lost  the  race  except  for  the  accident.  Banburg  could  not 
extend  himself  in  the  race  to-day ;  he  neither  had  speed  or  bot- 
tom, ifrom  some  cause,  and  did  not  begin  to  show  the  form  he 
did  at  Lexington  in  the  Phoenix  Stakes.  Montrose  took  the 
lead  as  the  lot  entered  the  main  stretch,  and  was  never  after- 
wards headed.     Taken  as  a  lot  the  Derby  colts  this  season  were 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  41 

inferior  to  last  year,  save  and  except  Jim  Gore,  who  is  a  real 
grand  young  horse,  who  struggled  gamely  and  finished  second, 
after  breaking  down  a  half  mile  away  from  the  finish. 

The  start  was  a  beautiful  one,  Jacobin  in  the  lead,  Ban 
Yan  second,  Banburg  third,  followed  by  Jim  Gore,  Clarion,  Mont- 
rose and  Pendennis.  Entering  the  stretch  Montrose  led  a 
length,  Ban  Yan  second,  Banburg  third,  rest  bunched.  Passing 
the  stand  Montrose  led  a  length,  Ban  Yan  second,  Banburg 
third,  Jacobin,  Jim  Gore,  Clarion  and  Pendennis  following  in 
close  order.  No  change  at  the  quarter,  but  at  the  half  Banburg 
took  second  place,  and  they  went  around  the  turn  pretty  closely 
bunched,  Montrose  still  leading  a  length.  Entering  the  stretch 
Montrose  still  led ;  Jim  Gore  who  was  seen  to  falter  at  the 
half  rallied  and  took  second  place  as  they  entered  the  stretch, 
but  was  never  able  to  get  on  even  terms  with  Montrose  who 
held  his  lead,  and  won  by  a  length  and  a  half,  Jim  Gore  second  a 
length  in  front  of  Jacobin  third  same  in  front  of  Banburg  fourth, 
Clarion  fifth,  Ban  Yan  sixth,  Pendennis  beaten  a  hundred  yanfo. 
seventh.     First  half  mile  52,  first  mile   1:45^,   race  2:39^. 

DESCRIPTION   OF  THE    WINNER 

Montrose  is  a  bay  colt,  blaze  face  and  several  white  feet,  has 
neat  head  and  neck,  rather  light  body  but  clean  legs,  by  Duke 
of  Montrose,  out  of  Patti  by  imp.  Billet,  her  dam  Dora  by  Pat 
Malloy,  out  of  Etta,  Jr.  by  Bill  Alexander,  her  dam  Etta  by 
Star  Davis,  &c,  &c. 

SUMMARY 

Third  Race — The  Kentucky  Derby,  for  3-vear  olds,  foals  of 
1884,  $100  entrance,  h  f  $10  if  declared  on  or  before  May  1st, 
1886;  $20  if  declared  on  or  before  May  1st,  1887;  money  to 
accompany  declarations;    with   $1,500   added;   of  which  $300   to 


42  HISTORYOFTHE 


second  and  $150  to  third.     \y2  miles.     119  entries.     12  paid  $10, 
66  paid  $20,  1   void.     Value  $5,920. 

Labold  Bros.'  b  c  Montrose  by  Duke  of  Montrose,  dam  Patti ; 

118  lbs.,  I.  Lewis    1 

A.  G.  McCampbell's  b  c  Jim  Gore  by  Hindoo,  dam  Katie;  118 

lbs.,   Fitzpatrick    2 

R.  Lisle's  br  c  Jacobin  'by  Jils  Johnson,  dam  Agnes;  118  lbs., 

Stoval 3 

J.  D.  Morrisey's  b  g  Banburg  by  King  Ban,  dam  Rosaline; 

115  lbs.,  Blaylock 0 

Fleetwood  'Stable's  ch  c  Clarion  by  Whisper,  dam  Claretta; 

118  lbs.,  Arnold   0 

W.  O.  Scully's  ch  c  Ban  Yan  by  King  Ban,  dam  Hira ;  118 

lbs.,  Godfrey    0 

Santa  Anita  Stable's  b  c  Pendennis  by  Virgil,   dam  Persia ; 

118   lbs.,    Murphy 0 

Time— 2:39^4 
Betting— 8  to  5   against   Banburg,  2  to   1   Jim  Gore,  4  to  1 
Pendennis,  5  to  1  Jacobin,  6  to  1  Ban  Yan,  10  to  1  each  Montrose 
and  Clarion. 

FOURTEENTH   DERBY   1888 

A  more  raw,  cold  disagreeable  day  can  hardly  be  imagined 
than  the  opening  day  of  the  Louisville  Jockey  Club.  It  was 
cloudy,  and  a  cold,  raw  wind  blew  directly  across  the  track  from 
the  North ;  and  as  they  have  had  no  rain  for  the  past  fortnight 
or  more,  the  dust  blew  in  blinding  clouds.  The  track  had  been 
watered  on  the  homestretch  which  helped  matters  very  much. 
The  track  was  slow,  and  deep  in  dust  except  on  the  homestretch. 
The  attendance  was  very  large,  the  people  taking  advantage  of 
the  free  entrance  to  the  inner  field ;  the  rails  were  packed,  four 
or  five  deep,  from  the  three-quarter  pole  at  the  head  of  the  stretch 
to  well  around  the  first  turn.     The  Grand  Stand,  Betting  Ring 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  43 

and  lawn  in  front  of  the  Grand  Stand  was  packed,  making  loco- 
motion extremely  difficult. 

Only  seven  appeared  for  the  fourteenth  renewal  of  the  Ken- 
tucky Derby,  and  the  Melbourne  Stables  Gallifet  and  Alexandria 
were  even  against  the  field.  The  race  is  described  elsewhere  but 
a  few  comments  are  necessary  here.  Gallifet  though  the  day  was 
raw  and  cold  frothed  and  fogged  greatly  between  the  hind  legs 
and  on  his  neck,  showing  him  to  be  soft,  and  not  keyed  up  to 
cencert  pitch.  Still,  notwithstanding  his  condition  we  think  him 
the  best  colt  and  should  have  won.  He  made  the  pace  hot,  51 
for  the  first  half  mile,  was  ridden  in  the  deepest  and  meanest  part 
of  the  track.  With  a  good  jockey  he  should  have  won.  The 
Chevalier  made  an  unaccountable  bad  show  and  Macbeth  made 
a  wonderful  improvement  on  his  race  at  Lexington.  He  swerved 
badly  at  the  head  of  the  stretch  and  seemed  like  he  wanted  to  go 
out,  but  won  quite  handily  at  the  finish.  On  Maobeth's  running 
at  Lexington  we  could  not  recommend  him  for  a  place  and 
selected  Gallifet,  The  Chevalier  and  White  for  the  placed  horses. 
Gallifet  was  second,1  and  White  third. 

The  Chevalier  led  off,  Gallifet  second,  Autocrat  third.  Entering 
the  main  track  Zeb  Ward  led,  Alexandria  second,  White  third, 
rest  bunched.  Passing  the  stand  Alexandria  led  Gallifet  a  head, 
followed  a  length  off  by  The  Chevalier,  White,  Autocrat  and 
Zeb  Ward.  Gallifet  took  the  lead  after  passing  the  stand,  and 
led  Alexandria  a  length  at  the  quarter,  The  Chevalier  third. 
Coming  to  the  half  Gallifet  led  Macbeth  two  lengths,  who  was 
head  and  head  with  The  Chevalier  third,  Autocrat  fourth.  They 
ran  in  this  order  round  the  lower  turn,  White  moving  up  to 
fourth  place  entering  the  stretch.  Half  way  down  the  home- 
stretch Macbeth  took  the  lead  and  won  quite  handily  by  a  length, 
Gallifet  second,  three  lengths  in  front  of  White  third,  Alexandria 
fourth,  The  Chevalier  fifth,  Autocrat  sixth,  Zeh  Ward  seventh, 


44  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Time— quarter   26^4,    half    51,    three-quarters    1 :18    mile    \Ml/2, 
mile  and  a  quarter  2:\\%,  race  2:3854- 

SUMMARY 

iFor  three-year  olds,  foals  of  1886,  $100  entrance,  h  f  $10  it 
declared  on  or  before  May  1st,  1887;  $20  if  declared  on  or  before 
May  1st,  1888;  money  to  accompany  declarations;  with  $2,500 
added;  of  which  $500  to  second  and  $200  to  third.  \l/2  miles. 
95  noms. 

Chicago  Stable's  b  c  Macbeth  II,  by  Macduff,  dam  Agnes;  115 
lbs.,  Covington 1 

Melbourne  Stable's  ch  c  Gallifet  by  Falsetto,  dam  India;  118 
lbs.,   McCarthy    2 

W.  O.  Scully's  ch  c  White  by  King  Ban,  dam  Heglaz;  118 
lbs.,   Withers    3 

T.  J.  Clay's  br  c  The  Chevalier  by  Prince  Charlie,  dam  Miss 
Haverley ;  118  lbs.,  Lewis  0 

D.  Gibson's  b  c  Autocrat  by  Prince  Charlie,  dam  Blomida ; 
118  lbs.,  Hamilton   0 

Melbourne  Stable's  ch  c  Alexandria  (by  Falsetto,  dam  Patri- 
mony ;  1 18  lbs.,  Jones  0 

G.  M.  Rye's  b  c  Col.  Zeb  Ward  by  Hindoo,  dam  Galatea; 
118  lbs.,   Blaylock 0 

Time— 2 :3SlA 
Betting — Even  money   Melbourne   Stable's   pair  3l/2  to   1    The 
Chevalier,  10  to  1  each  White  and  Macbeth,   12  to   1   each  Zeb 
Ward  Autocrat. 

FIFTEENTH  DERBY   1889 

A  more  disagreeable  day  for  racing  could  hardly  been  imagined. 
It  was  intensely  hot,  and  the  dust  so  thick  you  could  almost  cut 
it  with  a  knife.  The  track  was  watered  during  the  night,  but 
with  all  the  water  it  did  not  lay  the  dust,  still  it  was  a  great 
improvement.     The  attendance  was  the  largest  ever  known  on 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  45 

the  Louisville  track  except  the  Ten  Broeck  and  Mollie  McCarthy 
match.  The  crowd  was  so  great  that  it  was  really  uncomfortable 
and  almost  impossible  to  move  about  or  get  into  the  betting  ring. 
The  free  entrance  to  the  field  attracted  an  immense  crowd  of 
people  and  vehicles,  the  home  stretch  being  twenty  or  more  people 
deep  for  its  whole  length.  Notwithstanding  the  discomforts  of 
the  day,  it  was  great  racing,  and  it  will  be  a  long  time  before  we 
shall  see  such  another  field  of  high  class  three-year  olds.  Just 
imagine  over  a  deep  dusty  track,  not  fast,  for  four  three-year- 
olds  with  118  lbs.,  up  to  a  run  a  mile  and  a  half  as  good  as 
2 :34y2,  and  you  can  at  once  appreciate  their  high  class. 

It  is  our  conviction  that  with  a  stout  armed  jockey  up  Proctor 
Knott  would  have  won  the  Derby.  There  is  no  complaint  against 
Barnes's  riding  as  he  did  the  best  he  could  under  the  circum- 
stances. Proctor  Knott  is  a  tremendous  big  stout  colt,  heavy 
headed  and  no  ninety  pound  boy  can  hold  him  or  keep  his  head 
up.  Before  going  a  quarter  of  a  mile  he  overpowered  Barnes, 
nearly  pulling  him  over  his  head,  and  before  the  race  was  half 
finished  Barnes  was  exhausted  pulling  to  keep  his  head  up. 
With  such  a  jockey  as  Murphy,  McLaughlin,  Hayward  or  Fitz- 
patrick  up  we  do  not  believe  he  could  have  lost  the  race.  His 
future  racing  will  tend  to  prove  our  opinion.  He  made  all  the 
running  as  will  be  seen  for  a  mile  and  a  quarter  and  then 
swerved  to  the  outside  and  lost  enough  ground  to  have  made  him 
win  by  two  open  lengths.  We  would  not  detract  from  the  merits 
of  Spokane,  the  winner,  as  he  is  a  great  race  horse,  but  we  think 
Proctor  Knott  the  greatest  youngster  we  have  seen  in  years. 

The  eight  went  away  on  pretty  even  terms,  Hindoocraft  first, 
Bootmaker  second,  Spokane  third,  followed  by  Proctor  Knott, 
Sportsman,  Once  Again,  Cassius  and  Outbound.  They  had  not 
gone  fifty  yards  before  Proctor  Knott  rushed  to  the  front  and 


46  HISTORY    OF    THE 


led  by  three  lengths  as  they  entered  the  main  track,  which  he 
increased  to  five  as  they  passed  the  stand,  Hindoocraft  second, 
Sportsman  third,  closely  followed  by  Spokane  and  Once  Again. 
Proctor  Knott  held  his  lead  past  the  quarter,  but  it  was  reduced 
three  lengths  at  the  half,  Sportsman  second,  Hindoocraft  third, 
rest  well  tbunched.  Coming  round  the  lower  turn  Spokane  took 
second  place,  and  when  they  neared  the  three-quarter  pole  Barnes 
was  unable  to  control  Proctor  Knott  and  hold  his  head  up, 
bolted  to  the  outside,  and  looked  like  he  was  going  up  the  chute 
for  a  moment.  This  lost  him  some  three  or  four  lengths  and 
before  he  could  be  straightened,  Spokane  came  next  to  the  rails 
and  took  the  lead.  Inside  the  sixteenth  pole  Proctor  Knott  came 
again,  and  after  a  driving  race  home  in  which  Spokane  swerved 
to  the  inner  rail  he  managed  to  beat  Proctor  Knott  on  the  post 
by  a  short  throat  latch,  Once  Again  two  lengths  off  third,  he  a 
head  in  front  of  Hindoocraft  fourth,  followed  by  Cassius,  Sports- 
man, Outbound  and  Bootmaker,  in  the  order  named.  Bootmaker 
broke  down,  pulling  up  quite  lame.  Time,  first  24^4,  half  a  mile 
4Sl/2,  three-quarters  \:\4l/2,  mile  1:41^,  mile  and  a  quarter 
2:09^,  mile  and  a  half  2:34^. 

SUMMARY 

The  Kentucky  Derby  for  three-year  olds,  foals  of  1886;  $100 
entrance,  half  forfeit,  $10  if  declared  on  or  before  May  1,  1888, 
$20  if  declared  on  or  before  May  1,  1889;  money  to  accompany 
declarations;  with  $2,500  added,  of  which  $300  to  second  and 
$150  to  third.     \l/2   miles.     94  entries.     Value  $5,520. 

N.  Armstrong's  ch  c  Spokane  by  Hyder  Ali— llnterpose ;  118 
lbs.,  Kiley  1 

Scoggan  &  Bryant's  ch  g  Proctor  Knott  by  Luke  Blackburn — 
Tallapoosa;   115  lbs.,  Barnes 2 

M.  Young's  b  c  Once  Again  by  Onondaga— Black  Maria;  118 
Jbs.,  I.  Murphy  ,,,.,,.,.,     3 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  47 

Hindoocraft,  Cassius,  Sportsman,  Outbound  and  Bootmaker, 
118  each,  also  ran. 

Time— 2  :W/2 

Betting — 10  to  1  Spokane  and  Hindoocraft,  3  to  1  Once  Again 
and  Bootmaker  coupled,  1  to  3  Proctor  Knott,  15  to  1  Cassius, 
20  to  1  Outbound  and  Sportsman. 

SIXTEENTH   DERBY   1890 

Rain  fell  heavily  on  Tuesday  nearly  the  entire  day,  which 
continued  throughout  the  night  and  nearly  half  the  day  Wed- 
nesday, May  14,  which  made  the  track  a  sea  of  mud  and  water. 
Notwithstanding  the  unfavorable  weather  and  muddy  condition  of 
the  track  the  attendance  was  extremely  large,  fully  up  to  any 
preceding  day.  The  Derby  was  the  third  race,  for  which  a  half 
dozen  put  in  an  appearance.  Robespierre  was  the  favorite,  even 
against  the  field,  but  he  was  beaten  by  Riley  and   Bill  Letcher. 

Bill  Letcher  led  off,  Outlook  second,  Palisade  third,  other 
three  bunched.  No  change  at  the  three-quarters,  but  passing  the 
stand  Robespierre  and  Riley  were  head  and  head,  Outlook  third. 
Going  round  the  turn  Robespierre  drew  clear  and  led  at  the 
quarter  with  Outlook  second,  Riley  third,  Bill  Letcher  fourth. 
Before  reaching  the  half  Riley  was  in  front,  Robespierre  second, 
Bill  Letcher  third,  the  race  lay  between  the  two.  Xo  change 
at  the  head  of  the  stretch,  Riley  leading  and  running  easy, 
Robespierre  driving  and  Bill  Letcher  gaining.  Riley  won  handily 
by  a  length  and  a  half,  Bill  Letcher  second  and  a  length  in  front 
of  Robespierre  third,  Palisade  Fourth,  Prince  Fonso,  fifth,  Out- 
look sixth.  First  mile  1 :47,  the  race  2 :45.  Value  to  winner, 
$5,460. 

SUMMARY 

The  Kentucky  Derby  for  three-year  olds,  foals  of  1887;  $100 
entrance,  half  forfeit,  $10  if  declared  on  or  before  May  1, 
1889,  $20  if  declared  on  or  before  May  1,   1890;   money  to  ac- 


48  HISTORY    OF    THE 

company  declarations;  with  $2,500  added,  of  which  $300  to  second 
and  $150  to  third.     V/2  miles.     115  noms. 

E.   Corrigan's   b   c   Riley,    by   Longfellow,    Geneva;    118   lbs., 
Murphy    I 

W.  R.  Letcher's  b  c  Bill  Letcher,  by  Longfellow,  Ida  Lewis; 
118  lbs.,   Allen    2 

G.   V.   Hankins's  br  c   Robespierre,   by  Jils   Johnson,   Agnes; 

118  lbs.,  Francis 3 

Prince  Fonso  118,  Palisade  and  Outlook  118  also  ran. 
Time— 2 :45 

Betting — Even  Robespierre,  4  to  1  Riley,  4  to  1  Bill  Letcher,  5 
to  1  Prince  Fonso,  10  to  1  Palisade,  20  to  1  Outlook. 

SEVENTEENTH  DERBY   1891 

A  cloudy  and  hazy  morning,  but  still  spring  like  day,  lending 
the  Louisville  Jockey  Club  an  aspect  brighter  than  it  has  ever 
worn  since  its  inauguration  in  1875,  combined  with  the  great 
improvements  made  during  the  past  winter  and  spring,  there 
seems  every  hope  of  a  pleasant,  brilliant  and  successful  meeting. 
We  have  had  a  remarkable  season,  rainy  and  wet  during  March, 
and  when  winter  broke  summer  came  upon  us  with  a  burst,  there 
being  as  usual  no  intermediate  season  between  winter  and  sum- 
mer. The  country  is  dry;  and  the  track  deep  in  dust,  still  the 
country  wears  a  hue  of  green,  the  trees  are  in  full  leaf,  and  the 
pastures  clothed  with  a  carpet  of  emerald  green.  The  crowd 
to  witness  the  seventeenth  renewal  of  the  Kentucky  Derby  was 
the  largest  and  most  immense  ever  assembled  on  the  course, 
except  at  the  Ten  Broeck  and  Mollie  McCarthy  race,  and  many 
thought  the  crowd  larger.  During  the  years  of  this  race  men 
have  written  lovingly  of  Louisville  and  its  track,  and  sounded 
the  praises  of  the  great  three-year  old  event.  The  crowd  was 
so   great   that   locomotion   was    almost    impossible,   and   being   a 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  49 

free  day  the  inner  field  presented  one  mass  of  humanity  from 
the  head  of  the  stretch  nearly  to  the  first  quarter  pole.  Derby 
only  brought  four  to  the  post.  The  race  for  the  first  mile  was 
merely  a  big  exercising  gallop,  the  first  mile  in  2  :01.  They  ran 
from  the  half  mile  pole  home  in  51^4  seconds,  and  Isaac  Murphy 
had  to  ride  Kingman  hard  to  win  by  a  length.  This  is  the 
slowest  time  a  Derby  has  ever  been  run  in. 

The  Kentucky  Derby  for  three-year  olds,  foals  of  1888;  $100 
entrance,  half  forfeit,  $10  if  declared  on  or  before  May  1,  1890, 
$20  if  declared  on  or  before  May  1,  1891  ;  money  to  accompany 
declarations;  with  $2,500  added,  of  which  $300  to  second  and 
$150  to  third.     \y2   miles.     83  noms.     Value  to  winner  $4,680. 

Jacobin  iStable's  b  c   Kingman,  by   Glengarry,   Patricia ;    122 
lbs.,   Murphy    1 

T.   J.   Clay's  b   c   Balgowan,   by    Strathmore,   Trinkitat ;    122 
lbs.,  Overton   2 

Eastin  &  Larabie's  b  c  High  Tariff  by  Longfellow,  Christine; 
122  lbs.,  Williams    3 

Bashford    Manor's   b    c    Hart   Wallace    by   Longfellow,    Ste- 
phanie ;  122  lbs.,  Kiley  0 

Time— 2 :52K 

Betting — 2  to  5  Kingman,  3  to  1  Balgowan,  10  to  1  High 
Tariff,  6  to  1  Hart  Wallace. 

EIGHTEENTH  DERBY  1892 

The  eighteenth  Kentucky  Derby  was  run  in  the  cold.  The 
weather  did  not  check  the  crowd,  and  fully  10,000  people  watched 
the  race  from  the  grand  stand  and  free  field  and  cheered  Azra 
and  Huron  as  they  passed  under  the  wire.  It  takes  more  than 
bad  weather  to  dampen  the  enthusiasm  over  the  Kentucky  Derby, 


50  HISTORYOFTHE 

and  only  a  positive  assurance  of  poor  racing  will  lessen  the 
crowd.  Signs  and  predictions  of  the  weather  prophets  failed, 
and  instead  of  the  bright  May-day  weather  promised  by  the 
bureau,  the  air  was  chilly  and  damp,  and  the  sky  hung  witli 
leaden  colored  clouds  during  the  greater  part  of  the  morning 
and  afternoon.  In  the  early  morning  the  sun  shone,  and  thougn 
cool  the  indications  were  that  the  afternoon  would  be  an  ideal  one 
for  racing.  Instead,  however,  a  cold  wind  sprang  up  from  the 
northwest  and  turf  lovers  saw  their  dreams  of  a  beautiful  day 
fade  into  typical  fall  weather.  There  was  enough  virtue  in  the 
wind,  however,  to  dry  off  the  track,  which,  with  the  exception 
of  a  little  stickiness,  was  in  a  fair  condition.  The  officials  of  the 
day  were  as  follows :  Judges — >Col.  M.  Lewis  Clark.  R.  A. 
Swigert  and  Washington  Hessing.  Timers — Norvin  Harris,  Van 
Kirkman  and  Lew  Tarlton.  Secretaries — Joseph  Swigert  and 
Charles  Price.  Starter — J.  B.  Ferguson.  Clerk  of  the  Scales— 
L.  P.  Ezekiel. 

The  third  race  was  the  Kentucky  Derby,  with  three  starters, 
Huron,  Phil  Dwyer  and  Azra.  The  betting  was  on  the  Corrigan 
pair,  while  Azra's  few  friends  put  up  their  boodle  freely.  Three 
minutes  before  the  start  the  same  persons  who  were  most 
enthusiastic  at  the  finish  were  repeating  over  and  again:  "Oh! 
what  a  farce  the  race  will  be.  Three  horses  only  to  gallop  around 
like  the  hippodrome  races  of  a  circus."  The  following  is  a 
description   of  the   race: 

From  the  first  jump  Corrigan's  intentions  may  be  read,  Huron 
is  to  set  a  pace  that  will  kill  Azra,  and  Phil  Dwyer  is  to  win. 
Swinging  the  big  colt  to  the  rail,  Britton  gives  him  his  head. 
Racing  like  El  Rio  Rey  or  Proctor  Knott,  he  draws  away  from 
Azra,  whom  Clayton  holds  well  in  hand,  and  length  by  length 
increases  his  lead  until  five  lengths  of  daylight  lie  between  the 
green   and   light-blue   jackets,    Phil    Dwyer,   held    in    reserve   by 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  51 


Overton,  a  length  and  a  half  in  the  rear.  Nearing  the  first 
quarter  the  wrap  on  Azra  is  slackened  a  little  and,  though  ail 
go  wide  at  the  turn  to  seek  the  dryest  going,  Clayton  takes 
ground  by  passing  nearest  the  rail.  Down  the  stretch  to  the 
stand  they  come,  and  it  begins  to  be  apparent  that  a  stubborn 
contest  is  in  progress.  Huron's  head  is  swinging,  he  is  running 
easily,  and  as  he  swings  along  with  his  splendid  action  two 
lengths  in  the  lead,  a  cheer  breaks  out.  In  every  way  he  looks 
the  winner,  but  at  his  heels  comes  one  that  will  follow  him  with 
dogged  courage  till  the  last  gasp.  Under  Clayton's  good  guid- 
ance, Azra  is  holding  his  own,  though  seemingly  between  two 
fires,  for  if  Huron  does  not  run  away  from  him,  there  behind 
him  is  Phil  Dwyer  running  under  a  pull  and  ready  to  take  up 
the  fight. 

As  the  wire  is  passed  Huron  again  increases  his  lead,  and 
rounding  the  turn  is  three  lengths  to  the  good,  while  Phil  Dwyer 
moves  up  almost  on  even  terms  with  Azra.  So  the  quarter-pole 
is  passed  and  the  critical  moment  of  the  race  arrives.  It  is  time 
for  Britton  to  "feel"  Azra.  The  colored  rider  looks  back,  and 
then  for  the  first  time  urges  Huron  a  little.  Will  Azra  hold 
his  own  or  will  he  cry  for  quarter?  Has  he  been  able  to  stand 
the  pace?  If  so,  Phil  Dwyer  must  come  to  the  front  and  finish 
the  work.  Will  he  quit?  How  quickly  that  question  is  answered. 
The  moment  Britton  makes  that  move  on  the  back-stretch  Clay- 
ton loosens  his  wrap  and  Azra  responds.  Will  he  hold  his  own? 
He  does  not  come  with  a  sudden  burst  of  speed,  but  foot  by  foot 
he  nears  the  leader,  his  steady  rating  telling  at  last.  Phil 
Dwyer's  time  has  come.  He  makes  no  response  to  Overton's  call, 
and  is  then  and  there  a  beaten  horse.  The  race  is  between  Huron 
and  Azra.  It  is  no  longer  a  question  as  to  the  latter's  lasting. 
The  query  is,  "Will  Huron  quit?" 


52  HISTORYOFTHE 


The  last  quarter  is  neared,  Huron  leads,  but  only  by  a  little, 
that  is  steadily  growing  less.  Azra  is  at  his  saddle,  at  his 
withers,  at  his  head,  gaining  at  every  stride,  slowly,  but  surely 
forging  to  the  front.  They  are  in  the  stretch  and  on  even  terms. 
Grandsons,  both,  of  the  great  Leamington,  the  blood  of  the  great 
race  horse  that  flows  in  their  veins  has  no  taint  of  the  coward, 
such  as  that  of  the  colt  that  labors  four  lengths  behind  them. 
Azra  is  on  the  inside,  and  Britton  has  pinned  him  so  close  that 
Clayton  can  not  use  his  whip.  The  boys  knees  must  touch  as  the 
two  colts  race  head  and  head.  The  crowd  goes  wild.  Men  yell 
the  name,  first  of  one  and  then  the  other.  But  for  a  moment 
the  cries  of  "Azra,  Azra  wins,"  drown  the  others.  He  is  draw- 
ing away.  Clayton  is  climbing  up  on  his  neck  and  working  like 
a  demon.  At  the  eighth  pole  he  is  almost  a  neck  in  front  oi 
Huron.  The  race  seems  over,  Huron,  after  setting  the  pace 
throughout,  surely  can  not  come  again.  But  he  does !  Britton 
has  never  ceased  work  on  him,  and  at  one  bound  lifts  him  back 
once  more  head  to  head.  But  that  is  all.  The  two  are  straining 
every  muscle,  the  last  link,  of  speed  is  out  in  each,  but  as  the 
fiery  nostrils  of  the  racers  see-saw  past  each  other  with  the 
swaying  of  the  oustretched  necks  only  for  an  instant  is  first 
Azra's  and  Huron's  nose  ahead.  Not  a  whip  is  raised.  Hands 
are  too  precious.  Britton  is  riding  vigorously,  but  Clayton  is 
outdoing  him.  Can  not  he  lift  his  mount  just  an  inch  or  two 
to  the  front?  The  wire  is  there  above  them.  Ten  thousand 
people  are  yelling  and  Clayton  puts  out  his  supreme  effort.  Jt 
succeeds !  Azra  has  won.  Right  on  the  post  he  gains  six  inches, 
no  more,  and  by  that  distance  stands  the  winner  of  the  Kentucky 
Derby  of  1892.  It  is  a  grand  race,  and  victor  and  loser  alike 
are  cheered  to  the  echo  by  the  excited  crowd.  The  value  of 
the  stake  was  $4,230. 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  53 

The  Kentucky  Derby  for  three-year  olds,  foals  of  1889;  $100 
entrance,  half  forfeit;  $10  if  declared  on  or  before  May  1,  1891, 
$20  if  declared  on  or  before  May  1,  1892;  money  to  accompany 
declarations;  with  $2,500  added,  of  which  $300  to  second  and 
$150  to  third.     1^4  miles.     3  starters.     68  subscribers. 

Bashford    Manor's   b   c    Azra,    by   Reform,    Albia;    122    lbs., 
Clayton    1 

Ed.   Corrigan's  b  c   Huron,  by  Iroquois,   Brunette;    122  lbs., 
Britton    2 

Ed.  Corrigan's  b  c  Phil  Dwyer,  by  Longfellow,  imp.  Encore; 
122   lbs.,    Overton    3 

Fractional   time—  :2S%,    :51$4,   1:17*4,    1 :45^4,   2:12,  2:41J/2 
Betting — 3  to  2  Azra,  20  to   11   Corrigan's  pair. 


NINETEENTH  DERBY  1893 

Never  since  the  Spokane-Proctor  Knott  Derby,  in  1889,  was 
there  such  a  crowd  gathered  at  Churchill  Downs  as  that  to-day. 

The  weather  and  the  far-famed  Kentucky  Derby  were  the 
cause  of  it,  greatly  augmented  by  the  fact  that  the  field  was  free. 
It  is  a  time-honored  and  commendable  custom  of  the  Louisville 
Jockey  Club  to  give  a  free  field  on  Derby  and  Clark  days,  and 
the  association  lost  nothing  by  it  to-day,  as  every  inch  of  space 
on  the  grand  stand  side  of  the  track  was  filled,  and  no  more 
could  have  been  accommodated. 

The  weather  was  simply  delightful,  and  this  with  a  strong 
attraction  on  the  programme  is  what  is  required  to  draw  a  large 
crowd  to  a  race-track.  It  is  no  easy  matter  to  estimate  such  a 
gathering  with  any  degree  of  accuracy,  but  there  must  have 
been  at  least  25,000  people  on  the  grounds.  They  began  to 
arrive  before  11  o'clock,  and  from  that  time  until  3  o'clock  in 
the  afternoon  the  streets  leading  out  to  the  track  were  lined  with 


54  HISTORYOFTHE 

street-cars,  vehicles,  equestrians  and  pedestrians.  They  came  in 
all  sorts  of  ways,  from  the  dusty  and  perspiring  footman  to 
the  elegant  and  flashy  tally-ho,  drawn  by  four  prancing  horses. 
It  reminded  one  of  the  Irishman's  witty  paraphrase  of  an  old 
couplet, 

"Some  ride  in  chaises, 

And   some   walk,    be-jases." 

Long  before  the  hour  for  the  first  race  the  grand  stand  and 
surrounding  grounds  were  a  solid  mass  of  restless  but  good- 
natured  humanity,  all  on  the  qui  vive  for  the  sport  so  near  at 
hand.  Locomotion  was  the  next  thing  to  impossible,  and  those 
not  content  to  remain  in  one  place  had  a  formidable  undertaking 
in  trying  to  get  around.  Over  in  the  center-field  a  similar  condi- 
tion of  affairs  existed.  For  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  mile 
fronting  the  grand  stand  the  inner  rail  was  hugged  by  a  hetero- 
geneous mass  of  humanity,  made  up  of  men,  women  and  children, 
white  and  blacks  all  bent  upon  getting  the  best  position  possible 
under  the  circumstances  irrespective  of  the  rights  of  others.  Fur- 
ther back,  a  line  of  vehicles,  every  available  inch  occupied  by  a 
sightseer,  extended  nearly  the  entire  distance  of  the  back-stretch, 
so  that  only  occasional  glimpses  of  the  horses  could  be  caught  by 
the  occupants  of  the  pressstand,  upon  whom  those  not  present 
depended   for  an  accurate  description  of  the  races. 

And  it  might  be  appropriately  asked,  what  was  the  attraction 
that  drew  all  this  concourse  of  people  to  the  same  spot?  What 
was  it  that  made  them  endure  for  five  hours  all  the  discomfitures 
that  surrounded  them?  It  was  not  for  the  purpose  of  specu- 
lating on  the  results,  for  not  one-tenth  of  those  who  were  there, 
bet,  or  attempted  to  bet,  or  had  any  desire  to  do  so.  It  was 
that  inborn  love  of  sport,  that  can  be  found  in  the  hearts  of  the 
majority  of  men.    It  is  the  greatest  compliment  that  can  be  paid 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  55 

to  a  racing  association  for  that  kind  of  a  gathering  to  attend 
its  meetings.  As  a  whole,  it  was  not  there  to  speculate  but 
prompted  by  a  feeling  of  admiration  for  deeds  of  prowess  and 
with  an  earnest  desire  to  see  the  best  horse  win. 

This  was  the  kind  of  an  audience  that  witnessed  the  nineteenth 
renewal  of  the  Kentucky  Derby.  The  event  itself  might  be  re- 
garded as  somewhat  of  a  disappointment,  in  the  fact  that  the 
winner  so  far  out-classed  his  field  that  he  had  too  easy  a  thing 
of  it.  With  Lookout  eliminated,  the  contest  between  Plutus, 
Boundless  and  Buck  McCann  was  a  stubborn  one,  and  not  until 
very  near  the  wire  was  the  issue  settled,  as  to  who  would  get 
second  place.  There  was  no  trouble  about  who  would  get  first 
place ;  that  was  settled  shortly  after  the  flag  fell.  There  were  six 
starters  in  the  Derby,  namely :  dishing  &  Orth's  pair,  Lookout 
and  Boundless;  Scroggan  Bros.'  Buck  McCann;  Bashford  Manor 
Stable's  Plutus ;  J.  E.  Pepper's  Mirage,  and  C.  E.  Railey's  Linger. 
Kunze  rode  Lookout ;  R.  Williams  was  up  on  Boundless ;  A. 
Clayton  on  Plutus;  Thorpe  on  Buck  McCann;  Isaac  Murphy 
on  Mirage,  and  Fiynn  on  Linger. 

Cushing  &  Orth's  pair  was  odds-on  favorites  and  the  bulk 
of  the  big  speculators'  money  went  on  the  entry.  There  had 
been  a  great  air  of  mystery  about  the  preparation  of  Plutus 
for  the  Derby,  and  the  talent  appeared  to  be  at  a  loss  as  to  how 
to  estimate  him.  His  race  showed  that  Trainer  John  Morris  has 
been  doing  some  good  work  with  the  colt  and  has  a  stake-horse 
in  his  stable.  Plutus  and  Buck  McCann  were  about  even  second 
choice,  both  to  win  and  for  place.  Mirage,  with  Isaac  Murphy 
up,  found  some  followers,  but  principally  "pikers,"  for  the 
place  on  which  odds  of  3  to  1  could  be  had.  There  was  a  long 
price  about  Linger's  chances  with  few  takers.  There  was  a 
general  impression  abroad  that  Railey's  colt  could  not  take  up 
the  weight  and  go  the  distance,  and  all  who  reached  such  a  con- 


56  HISTORY    OF    THE 

elusion  had  it  down  just  about  right.  But  neither  Linger  nor 
Mirage  will  ever  be  able  to  beat  Lookout  at  any  weight  or  dis- 
tance when  the  great  son  of  Troubadour  is  at  himself.  They 
don't  belong  in  his  class.  The  others  in  the  Derby  are  nearer 
his  class,  but  it  is  my  opinion  that  he  will  always  hold  them 
safe,  under  anything  like  equal  circumstances.  He  won  the 
Derby  so  easily  that  it  places  him  clear  out  of  the  reach  of 
anything  but  a  high-class  horse. 

Coming  on  the  track,  all  the  horses  paraded  in  front  of  the 
grand  stand  and  were  vociferously  applauded.  The  enthusiasm 
which  the  two  previous  races  had  in  no  wise  affected,  broke  out 
in  uproarous  demonstration.  Some  yelled  for  one  and  some  for 
another  just  as  fancy  or  interest  suggested,  but  the  keen  eyed 
judge  of  a  race-horse  could  see  the  winner  only  in  the  big, 
graceful  chestnut,  who  apparently  oblivious  to  the  excitement  of 
which  he  was  partially  the  cause,  galloped  quietly  to  the  post. 

It  was  comparatively  a  small  field  but  starter  Pettingill  had 
to  line  them  up  several  times  before  sending  them  away  in  a 
bunch.  In  the  break  Lookout  and  Linger  went  out  in  the  lead, 
heads  apart,  followed  closely  by  Mirage,  Buck  McCann,  Bound- 
less and  Plutus  in  the  order  named  the  latter  getting  a  little  the 
worst  of  the  start.  Lookout  shook  off  Linger  in  a  few  strides, 
and  at  the  quarter  was  an  open  length  to  the  good,  with  Plutus 
and  Linger  second  on  even  terms,  Buck  McCann  fourth,  Mirage 
fifth  and  Boundless  last.  Going  under  the  wire  for  the  first  time, 
it  was  Lookout,  by  two  lengths  and  running  easy,  Plutus  second, 
a  head  in  front  of  Linger,  Boundless  and  Mirage  about  on  even 
terms,  with  Buck  McCann  about  a  half  length  behind  them.  At 
the  first  quarter,  past  the  wire,  the  order  had  changed  little, 
except  that  Lookout  had  increased  his  lead  and  Buck  McCann 
had  moved  up  to  fourth  position.  At  the  conclusion  of  the  mile 
the  order  had  not  changed  materially,  but  the  scene  shifted  in 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  57 

the  next  quarter.  Linger  dropped  out  badly  beaten  and  Mirage, 
on  whom  Murphy  was  working  with  all  his  might  and  main, 
began  to  go  back  to  the  trailer.  In  the  meantime  Lookout  was 
romping  down  the  stretch,  five  lengths  ahead  of  Plutus,  Bound- 
less and  Buck  McCann,  who  were  having  a  desperate  fight  of  it. 
In  the  order  as  named  last  above  they  came  under  the  wire. 

SUMMARY 

The  Kentucky  Derby,  for  three-yeor-old  colts  and  fillies,  foal*; 
of  1890;  $100  entrance,  half  forfeit,  $10  if  declared  on  or  before 
May  1,  1892,  $20  if  declared  on  or  before  May  1,  1893;  money 
to  accompany  declarations ;  with  $3,000  added,  of  which  $400  to 
second  and  $150  to  third,  fourth  to  save  stake.  One  and  a 
half  miles. 

Cushing  &  Orth's  ch  c  Lookout,  3,  by  Troubadour,  Christina; 
122  lbs.,  Kunze    1 

Bashford  Manor's  ch  c  Plutus,  3,  by  Blue  Eyes,   Sungleam ; 

122  lbs.,  A.  Clayton  2 

Cushing   &    Orth's    br   c    Boundless,    3.    by    Harry    O'Fallon, 

Endless ;   122  lbs.,  R.  Williams    3 

Scoggan  Bros.'  ch  c  Buck  McCann,  3,  by  Buchanan,  Mollie 

McCann ;  122  lbs.,  Thorpe   4 

James  E.  Pepper's  ch  c  Mirage,  3,  by  imp.  Deceiver,  Uproar ; 

122  lbs.,  I.   Murphy   5 

C.  E.  Railey's  ch  c  Linger,  3,  by  King  Alfonso,  Wait-a-While ; 

122  lbs.,  Flynn   6 

Won  easily  by  five  lengths  in  2:39^4,  same  between  second 
and  third.    The  stake  was  worth  $4,090  to  the  winner. 

Betting— 7  to  10  Cushing  &  Orth's  entry,  3  to  1  Plutus,  4 
to  5  place. 


58  HISTORY    OF    THE 

TWENTIETH  DERBY  1894 

It  was  Derby  Day  at  Churchill  Downs  this  afternoon, 
and  the  enclosure  was  crowded  as  it  had  not  been  for 
a  long  time  previous.  It  was  an  ideal  racing  day,  the 
hard  rain  of  the  morning  thoroughly  laying  the  dust. 
The  rain  made  the  track  just  a  bit  slow  but  this  was 
more  than  compensated  in  the  absence  of  dust.  The  good  people 
of  the  Falls  City  were  hungry  to  see  a  race  and  they  turned  out 
in  large  numbers,  irrespective  of  color,  class  or  circumstances. 
A  free  field  made  it  possible  for  those  who  were  unable  to  pay 
the  price  of  admission  to  see  the  racing  at  little  or  no  cost  at 
all.  There  was  an  immense  crowd  in  the  infield,  and  the  fence 
from  the  head  of  the  stretch  to  the  clubhouse  turn  was  lined 
with  a  dense  mass  of  humanity,  each  moity  of  which  was  strug- 
gling to  either  gain  or  maintain  his  position. 

The  Derby  of  1894  had  not  about  it  quite  that  glamour  an.i 
fascination  that  has  characterized  several  former  contests  for  this 
event  perhaps  because  there  was  no  horse  in  it  of  particularly 
high-class,  and  of  such  individual  prominence  as  to  attract  and 
absorb  public  attention  for  weeks  prior  to  the  race,  which  reaches 
the  public  thru  the  medium  of  the  press.  Horses  are  something 
like  men  in  that  some  of  them  possess  a  kind  of  magnetism 
that  draws  around  them  a  coterie  of  admirers,  who  become  as 
much  infatuated  with  him  as  does  the  most  ardent  admirers  of  a 
political  leader.  Such  a  horse  was  Proctor  Knott,  and  never 
before  nor  since  in  the  West,  was  as  much  written  about  and  a* 
much  attention  paid  to  a  horse  as  was  to  him.  The  press  teemed 
with  articles  about  him  from  day  to  day,  for  weeks  prior  to  the 
Derby  of  1889,  so  that  when  the  great  day  rolled  around  thousands 
of  people  went  to  the  track  impelled  by  an  uncontrollable  curi- 
osity to  see  the  horse  that  had  been  written  so  much  about.   Well, 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  59 

every  one  who  went  on  that  day,  saw  a  race,  the  like  of  which 
they  never  saw  before  nor  since.  The  idol  was  dethroned  but 
even  in  defeat  he  was  greater  in  the  hearts  of  his  admirers  than 
was  the  winner. 

But  the  Derby  this  afternoon  presented  none  of  the  attractive 
features  of  that  great  event  won  by  Spokane.  The  horses  trained 
here  and,  of  course,  around  whom  most  of  the  local  interest  would 
naturally  attach  had  not  shown  any  trials  upon  which  to  place 
much  faith  in  their  prowess,  with  the  possible  exception  of 
Pearl  Song.  The  others  had  been  tried  and  found  wanting,  and, 
as  a  matter  of  course,  the  public  could  not  make  an  idol  of  com- 
mon clay.  Along  up  the  line  from  Memphis  to  this  meeting 
came  a  horse  that  had  run  races  at  three  other  tracks  with  con- 
siderable success,  and  whose  muscles  had  been  hardened  for  a 
journey  of  a  mile  and  a  half  by  actual  racing,  which  is  admitted 
by  all  trainers  to  be  a  better  conditioner  than  private  work.  This 
horse  is  Chant,  and  he  won  the  Kentucky  Derby  this  afternoon 
just  as  he  pleased.  There  may  have  been  horses  in  it  that  will 
be  better  than  he  later  on,  but  there  was  nothing  in  it  that  was 
within  ten  pounds  of  him  to-day.  There  was  nothing  in  it  that 
could  make  the  son  of  Falsetto  stretch  his  neck  and  think  seri- 
ously that  he  was  running  for  a  stake  or  merely  out  for  an 
exercise  gallop.  The  time  was  exceedingly  slow,  and  this  was 
partially  due  to  the  soft  condition  of  the  track,  but  more  particu- 
larly due  to  the  fact  that  there  was  nothing  in  the  race  that 
could  make  Chant  run  any  faster.  Chant  was  a  strong  favorite 
in  the  betting,  his  odds  being  uniformly  1  to  2,  but  after  viewing 
his  easy  victory  one  was  impressed  with  the  idea  that  those  odds 
were  really  quite  liberal.  It  was  only  a  matter  of  loaning  one's 
money  to  the  bookmakers  for  a  little  while,  to  be  taken  back 
shortly  with  fifty  per  cent  interest.  There  were  five  starters  in 
the  Derby  all  with  the  same  impost — 122  pounds.     Goodale  was 


60  HISTORYOFTHE 

on  Chant;  R.  Williams  on  Pearl  Song;  Overton  on  Sigurd;  Ray 
on  Al  Boyer,  and  Irving  on  Tom  Elmore.  As  remarked  before 
Chant  was  a  strong  favorite,  and  Pearl  Song  was  second  choice. 
Not  a  few  backed  the  latter  to  win,  and  as  is  always  the  case 
in  every  race,  straggling  bets  went  on  each  of  the  others  to  win, 
acting  under  the  idea,  it  is  supposed,  that  lightning  is  likely  to 
strike  anywhere.  While  Starter  Pettingill  had  considerable 
trouble  with  each  of  his  other  fields,  it  was  quite  an  easy  matter 
to  send  off  five  well  trained  horses  on  a  line,  hence,  with  little 
delay,  the  flag  flashed  on  the  Kentucky  Derby  of  1894.  Sigurd 
was  the  first  to  show  in  front,  and  he  held  that  position  for  a 
quarter  of  a  mile,  but  apparently  on  probation,  for  when  he 
pleased  Chant  passed  him  and  he  pleased  to  do  it  coming  down 
the  stretch  the  first  time.  Passing  under  the  wire  at  the  com- 
pletion of  the  first  half  mile,  Chant  was  leading  by  two  lengths, 
and  to  the  practical  eye  of  the  turfmen  it  could  be  seen  then  that 
he  had  his  field  beat,  as  he  was  running  very  easily,  with  his 
mouth  pulled  open,  while  the  others  were  struggling  behind  him 
in  vain  efforts  to  catch  up.  To  make  a  long  story  short,  it  is 
only  necessary  to  say  that  Chant  led  all  the  way  and  won  simply 
without  an  effort.  It  was  about  as  badly  a  strung  out  field  as 
was  ever  seen.  Pearl  Song  came  in  ten  lengths  behind  Chant; 
Sigurd  was  about  the  same  distance  behind  Pearl  Song; 
Al  Boyer  was  twenty  lengths  or  more  in  the  rear  of  Sigurd, 
and  Tom  Elmore  was  beaten  off  and  his  jockey  pulled  him  up 
half   way    down    the    stretch. 

May  15,  1894,— The  Kentucky  Derby,  for  thr?e-year  old  colts 
and  fillies  (foals  of  1891)  $100  entrance,  half  forfeit:  $10  if 
declared  on  or  before  May  1,  1893;  $20  if  declared  on  or  befDre 
May  1,  1894;  money  to  accompany  declaration;  with  $2,500  added, 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  61 

of  which  $300  to  second  and  $150  to  third.   -One  mile  and  a  half. 

Closed   with  55   nominations. 

Leigh  &  Rose's  b  c  Chant,  3,  by  Falsetto,  Addie  C. ;  122  lbs., 

1  to  2,  Goodale   1 

C.  H.  Smith's  ch  c  Pearl  'Song,  3,  by  Falsetto,  Pearl  Thorn ; 

122  lbs.,  3  to  1,  R.  Williams   2 

Bashford  Manor's  ch  g  Sigurd,  3,  by  Pardee,  Lady  Salyers ; 

122  lbs.,  20  to  1,  Overton    3 

Anderson  &  Gooding's   b   c   Al    Boyer,   3,   by   imp.   Deceiver, 

Bayadere ;  122  lbs.,  5  to  1,  Ray   0 

S.  K.  Hughes  &  Co.'s  br  g  Tom  Elmore,  3,  by  Julien,  Ems; 

122,  lbs.,  20  to  1,  Irving  0 

Time — 2:41.  Won  by  six  lengths,  fifteen  lengths  between 
second  and  third.     Value  to  winner  $4,020. 

TWENTY-FIRST  DERBY  1895 

The  Kentucky  Derby  this  year  went  to  a  Lexington  owned 
and  trained  horse.  Halma,  the  black  son  of  Hanover  and  Julia 
L.,  owned  and  trained  by  Byron  McClelland  and  ridden  by  Per- 
kins, won  the  classic  event  Monday,  in  the  easiest  kind  of  style, 
going  the  mile  and  a  half  journey  in  2:2>7l/>.  It  was  the  slowest 
rjace  of  the  day,  and  it  looked  like  Halma  could  have  gone  the 
distance  at  least  a  second  and  a  half  faster  had  he  been  pushed 
to  it. 

The  association  was  especially  favored  with  good  weather 
Monday,  and  a  lovelier  day  for  racing  could  hardly  have  been 
made  to  order. 

The  story  of  the  Derby  is  quickly  told  as  there  were  no 
sensational  features  about  it.  Only  four  horses  started,  Halma, 
Basso,  Laureate  and  Curator.  Halma  was  a  2  to  5  favorite,  but 
even  at  this  short  price  he  was  pretty  heavily  backed.  Mr.  Nick 
Finzer's  colt  Laureate,  was  heavily  played  for  the  place  at  3  to  5, 
especially  by  the  Louisville  contingent,  who  were  patriotic  and 


62  HISTORYOFTHE 

backed  their  home  horse  for  the  position  at  the  finish  that  seemed 
possible  for  him  to  obtain.  Basso  was  held  for  the  place  at  about 
the  same  price  as  Laureate,  and  the  Chicago  owned  horse  was 
pretty  heavily  played  for  the  place.  The  matter  of  starting  the 
field  of  four  was  soon  disposed  of  and  the  quartet  went  off  well 
together.  Curator  took  the  lead  and  quickly  separated  himself 
from  his  companians,  holding  the  lead  for  nearly  half  a  mile, 
but  only  on  sufference.  Coming  near  the  wire  for  the  first  time, 
Halma  took  the  lead,  and  to  make  the  story  short,  held  it  easily 
to  the  end.  Basso  trailed  all  the  way  until  entering  the  stretch 
for  the  final  home  run  when  he  came  up  and  challenged  Laureate 
who  had  been  in  second  place  since  the  end  of  the  first  half  mile. 
Basso  took  second  position  half  way  down  the  stretch  and  thus 
they  finished,  Halma  easily  by  three  lengths,  Basso  second  by  a 
length  and  Laureate  third  by  five  lengths. 

The  Kentucky  Derby,  for  three-year  old  colts  and  fillies  (foals 
of  1892);  $5  to  accompany  the  nomination;  $10  to  be  paid 
May  1,  1894;  $20  to  be  paid  May  1,  1895;  $100  additional  to 
start,  with  $2,500  added,  of  which  $300  to  second  and  $150  to 
third;   fourth  to  save  stake.     One  mile  and  a  half. 

B.  McClelland's  blk  c  Halma,  3,  by  Hanover,  Julia  L;    122 
lbs.,  1  to  3,  Perkins  1 

C.  H.   Smith's  b  c  Basso,  3,  by  Falsetto,   Ethelda ;    122  lbs., 

9  to  2,  Martin  2 

Pastime  Stable's  ch  g  Laureate,  3,  by  Volante,  imp.  Laurel; 
122  lbs.,  5  to  1,  A.  Clayton  3 

Bashford   Manor   Stable's   b  c   Curator,   3,   by  Alarm,   Katie 
Creel ;   122  lbs.,  20  to  1,  Overton    0 

Time-2 :37y2 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  63 

TWENTY-SECOND  DERBY  1896 

The  Kentucky  Derby  is  over  and  Ben  Brush  wears  the 
crown,  but  his  victory  was  obtained  only  by  the  narrowest 
of  margins,  and  while  his  neck  was  clothed  with  flowers  after 
the  race,  his  sides  were  sore  and  bleeding  from  the  marks 
of  the  spur,  and  his  giant  muscles  ached  as  they  never  did 
before.  Simms  gave  him  the  garlands,  Ben  Eder  caused 
the  other  things.  Ah!  it  was  a  "hoss-race !"  Such  a  field  of 
three-year  olds  had  not  met  since  the  old  standard  of  Spokane- 
Proctor  Knott  Derby,  in  which  Once  Again,  Bootmaker,  Hindoo- 
craft,  Cassius,  Sportsman  and  Outbound  followed  behind  the 
fighting  leaders.  And  in  the  finish  of  the  race  to-day  there  was 
the  same  desperate,  hair-raising  finish,  which  marked  that  most 
famous  of  Derbies.  Ben  Brush  was  all  out.  Not  only  that  but 
he  needed  all  of  the  skill  and  strength  and  vim  of  a  jockey 
famous  on  two  continents  to  help  his  quivering  nostrils  first 
under  the  wire.  And  withal  he  is  the  best  horse  in  the  race. 
Not  that  Ben  Eder  with  jockeys  changed  might  not  and  probably 
would  have  won,  but  it  was  a  matter  of  condition.  Ben  Eder 
was  fit  to  a  hair.  Made  fit  in  the  only  way  to  secure  perfect 
condition,  i.  e.  in  actual  racing,  and  McGuigan,  after  three  months 
of  constant  care  and  thought,  brought  him  to  the  post  as  ex- 
quisitely adapted  for  this  particular  race  as  any  modiste  fitted 
a  Worth  gown  to  a  Parisian  belle.  There  is  now  no  doubt  that 
all  of  Ben  Eder's  "prep"  and  races  down  the  line  were  made 
with  an  eye  single  to  this  one  race.  And  how  artistically  Bill 
McGuigan  managed  it.  Always  racing,  yet  taking  on  no  penalty, 
and  yet  thanks  to  Lady  Inez  the  only  genuine  "Umbrella"  Mc- 
Guigan still  took  down  the  money.  Then  came  the  time  when 
Lady  Inez  would  no  longer  do.  The  finishing  touches  must  be 
given ;  the  razor  edge  put  on.     This  was  done,  and  when  Ben 


64  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Eder  cut  a  hair  at  Nashville  his  trainer  knew  he  was  ready  and 
that  in  the  Kentucky  Derby  Ben  Eder  would  race  the  race  of  his 
life.  And  he  did.  He  will  never  run  a  better  one,  perhaps, 
while  Ben  Brush  will.     This  is  the  difference. 

Ben  Brush,  on  the  other  hand,  was  in  his  first  race  of  the 
season,  and  while  he  was  by  no  means  much  too  "high"  and  out 
of  condition,  still  he  had  a  host  of  other  engagements  up  the 
line,  some  of  them  far  richer  in  money  than  the  Kentucky  Derby. 
Ten  thousand  seemed  to  await  him  at  Oakley,  $12,000  at  Latonia 
and  $20,000  at  St.  Louis  and  Mr.  Dwyer  is  not  a  sentimental 
man.  His  trainer  could  not  afford  to  have  Ben  Brush  too  fine, 
and  when  the  struggle  came  with  Ben  Eder  the  Bramble  colt 
had  only  his  class  in  his  favor,  and  this  was  supplemented  by 
Simms. 

It  is  true  there  were  many  spectators  who  honestly  believe 
that  Ben  Eder  won,  but  the  obstruction  offered  by  the  judges' 
box  makes  it  impossible  for  anybody  but  the  judges  or  those 
in  the  timers'  stand  to  tell,  and  there  seems  no  doubt,  from  the 
statements  of  those  in  these  positions,  that  Simms  (as  a  great 
jockey  will)  saved  just  one  more  effort  in  Ben  Brush  and  using 
it  in  the  last  desperate  leap,  shot  the  hair  on  his  nose  in  front  of 
his  shorter  whiskered  opponent. 

Then  too,  there  must  be  considered  in  estimating  a  popular 
verdict  the  natural  and  noble  disposition  to  cheer  the  under  dog 
when  he  gains  an  advantage  and  the  sportsmanlike  instinct  to  see 
an  overwhelming  favorite  beaten. 

First  Mate  ran  like  the  flashy  cur  that  he  showed  himself  to 
be  in  all  of  his  races.  He  will  likely  do  in  shorter  contests  or 
in  which  he  can  overwhelm  his  opponents  by  a  bust  of  his  speed, 
but  nature  obviously  designed  him  for  the  role  of  a  gentleman's 
saddle  horse,  in  which  he  can  show  high  head  and  flaming  tail 
in  harmless  curvetting,  which  will  not  be  taken  as  a  challenge 
to  -battle-— at  which  his  soul  sickens. 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  65 

The  surprise  was  in  the  awful  performance  of  Ulysses.  Those 
who  had  seen  the  colt  work  did  not  like  his  going,  but  in  the 
name  of  wonder  what  was  "Brown  Dick"  thinking  of  to  throw 
away  that  hundred  starting  money  on  a  dog  which  may  not  win 
it  back  in  his  whole  year's  campaign.  Surely  a  trainer  like  "Dick" 
could  not  have  been  so  deceived.  I  am  of  the  opinion  that 
irresistible  Secretary  Price  buncoed  "Dick"  into  starting  a  colt 
who  had  no  more  pretentions  to  being  a  Derby  horse  than  honest 
"Dick"  has  of  being  a  dude. 

Semper  Ego  somewhat  redeemed  himself  for  his  poor  showing 
at  Lexington,  and  may  be  dangerous  to  some  of  the  cracks  yet, 
and  The  Dragon  ran  his  usual  good,  honest  race,  doing  the  best 
that  is  in  him.  Parson  and  The  Winner  had  no  business  in  the 
Derby  and  nobody  thought  they  had,  but  probably  only  started 
as  a  compliment  to  a  very  popular  track  management. 

With  the  aid  of  the  form  sheet  below  the  story  of  the  race 
is  soon  told.  The  Dill  starting  machine,  which  resembles  that  of 
Curly  Brown  and  is  the  work  of  a  Louisville  man  was  used  in 
all  the  races  except  the  Derby,  but  in  the  big  race  Col.  Chinn 
used  the  old  flag  flat-footed  and  unaided.  There  were  several 
break-a-ways  in  all  of  which  Ben  Brush  was  prominent,  and 
which  were  principally  caused  by  First  Mate's  fiery  desire  to 
run.  Incidently,  it  was  comical  to  see  what  a  difference  was 
presented  by  this  degenerate  son  of  Shipmate  when  he  reached 
the  same  spot  again  after  going  once  around  the  yellow  circle. 
Then  he  wanted  to  lay  right  down  and  be  put  to  bed.  He  never 
cared  if  he  never  saw  another  horserace  as  long  as  he  lived  and 
his  craven  heart  called  loudly  for  action  by  the  humane  society 
forbidding  the  use  of   spurs. 

They  were  finally  off  with  Ben  Eder  in  the  lead,  but  First 
Mate  shot  to  the  front  at  once  and  nearly  pulling  Thorpe's  arms 
from  their  sockets  set  a  merry  clip  past  the  stand,  down  the  back 


66 HISTORY    OF    THE 

stretch  and  around  to  the  next  turn.  Ben  Brush  had  not  been 
lagging,  but  with  Simms  almost  urging  the  sluggish  colt  had  been 
laying  up  in  fourth  position.  At  the  turn  from  the  back  stretch 
Simms  leaned  far  over  his  mount's  neck  and  urged  him  to  the 
front.  He  soon  overhauled  First  Mate,  who  had  not  thought 
the  race  would  be  so  long,  and  turned  in  for  home  with  a  good 
lead  and  the  race  apparently  already  won.  But  the  white  face 
of  Ben  Eder  had  followed  him  through  like  a  ghost  and  was 
coming  on  the  outside  like  a  flash  of  light.  Running  free  and 
strong  this  true  son  of  Fonso  showed  the  heritage  of  a  Derby 
winning  sire.  The  family  prestige  must  be  maintained  and  he 
bid  fair  to  do  it.  For  one  fleeting  instant  the  white  face  showed 
before  the  red.  But  Ben  Brush,  too,  came  from  an  unconquered 
race  and  the  blood  of  Bramble  and  old  Bonnie  Scotland  surged 
through  his  veins  as  responding  to  the  touch  of  steel  his  extended 
nose  was  thrust  again  an  inch  in  front.  Then  Tabor  made  the 
mistake  of  his  life.  His  horse  was  running  true  and  com- 
paratively fresh.  The  spurt  of  Ben  Brush  was  only  a  spasmodic 
effort.  He  would  have  come  back  before  the  wire  was  reached. 
But  Tabor  reached  for  his  whip  and  Ben  Eder  losing  his  jockey's 
aid  faltered  a  trifle.  It  was  now  a  battle  of  jockeys.  Both  urged 
their  mounts  with  whip  and  spur,  but  Tabor  was  riding  all  over 
his  horse  while  Simms  lifted  his  mount  at  every  stride.  On  they 
came  nose  and  nose  until  with  an  expiring  effort  Simms  struck 
the  wire  first.  It  was  probably  the  only  point  in  the  last  fifty 
yards  at  which  a  difference  could  be  detected  between  the  two 
horses. 

The  crowd  was  such  as  only  a  great  race  can  bring  out  and 
then  only  in  Kentucky.  The  railroads  and  steamboats  from  all 
directions  poured  thousands  of  people  into  the  city  and  vehicles 
of  every  description  from  carriages  to  spring  wagons  kept  up 
a  steady  procession  out  the  driveways  to  the  track,  while  an  end- 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  67 

less  chain  of  street  cars  discharged  their  human  freight  at  the 
jockey  club  gates.  Over  ten  thousand  people  are  officially  reported 
to  have  paid  admission,  while  thousands  of  ladies  and  compli- 
mented visitors  doubtless  brought  the  attendance  up  to  the  15,000 
mark.  The  stands  and  tall  steps  were  packed  and  the  crowd 
stood  thick  all  along  the  broad  space  between  the  track  and  stand 
and  extended  down  to  the  fence  beyond  the  betting  shed.  A  fea- 
ture was  the  social  prominence  given  the  occasion  and  reminded 
one  of  the  old  times  when  Col.  Clark  set  the  fashion  in  Louisville 
and  led  the  way  on  his  tally-ho  to  the  races. 

The  Courier-Journal  gives  the  following  statements  from  the 
judges: 

"It  was  a  great  race — one  of  the  greatest  I  ever  saw.  We  can 
not  but  regret,  however,  that  Mr.  McGuigan  did  not  have  a  jockey 
who  could  do  his  colt  justice.  With  an  exchange  of  riders  Ben 
Brush  would  certainly  have  been  beaten  to-day.  He  is  a  race 
horse  of  the  highest  class,  however,  and  I  think  this  race  will  do 
him  much  good.  There  was  no  doubt  in  the  world  about  the 
finish.  Simms  simply  lifted  Brush  a  foot  or  so  in  front  at  the 
last  jump. 

For  three-year-olds  (foals  of  1893),  $5  to  accompany  the 
nomination;  $15  to  be  paid  May  1,  1895;  $30  to  be  paid  May  1, 
1896;  $100  additional  to  start.  The  Club  to  guarantee  the  value 
of  the  stakes  to  be  $6,000,  of  which  $700  to  second  and  $300  to 
third.  Colts  to  carry  122  pounds ;  geldings  (at  time  of  starting) 
119  pounds;  fillies  117  pounds.  Those  not  having  won  a  race 
for  three-year-olds  (without  respect  to  sex)  of  the  value  of 
$1,500  allowed  5  pounds;  maidens,  10  pounds.  One  mile  and 
a  quarter.     171   nominations. 

Index             Starters             Jockeys  St.  y2  VA  S.      F.  Betting 

Ben    Brush,    117 Simms  2     4  4  lh     In  1  to  2 

Ben   Eder,    117 Tabor  1      4  5  2  1     2  8  12  to  1 

Semper   Ego,    117 'Perkins  3     2  3  4238  9tol 


HISTORY    OF    THE 


First  Mate,  117 Thorpe  6  1  1  3h  4  4  5  to  1 

The  Dragon,   117 Overton  8  6  5  5  2  5  4  20  to  1 

Parson,    109 Britton  7  7  7  7  6^  50  to  1 

The   Winner,    117 Walker  4  3  2  6  7  30  to  1 

Ulysses,  117 R.  Williams  6  8  8  8  8  8  to  1 

Time  at  post  20  minutes;  start  good;  won  in  a  fierce  drive. 
M.  F.  Dwyer's  b  c  Ben  Brush,  by  Bramble — Roseville. 
Hot  Springs  Stable's  b  c  Ben  Eder,  by  Fonso — Workmate. 
Fractional  Time— :25,   :49^,  l:15j£,  1:42,  2:07V4. 

TWENTY-THIRD  DERBY  1897 

The  twenty-third  Kentucky  Derby  has  been  won  and  Typhoon 
II.  wears  the  laurel  wreath.  It  was  a  splendid  race  and  the 
winner  earned  his  victory  fairly  and  honestly,  leading  from  start 
to  finish,  winning  a  race  that,  for  the  track  was  extraordinarily 
fast,  with  the  pick  of  three-year  olds  of  the  West  behind  him. 
Ornament  was  second,  Dr.  Catlett  was  third,  Dr.  Shepard  fourth, 
Goshen  fifth,  and  Ben  Brown,  the  pride  of  Newport,  last. 

To  Typhoon  must  be  fairly  conceded  the  race  on  its  merits. 
He  won  squarely,  fairly  and  honestly  the  prize,  but  it  must  also 
be  as  fairly  conceded  that  he  had  to  divide  the  honors.  Probably 
two-thirds  of  the  turfmen  who  saw  the  race  still  believe  that 
Ornament  is  the  better  colt,  and  with  equal  luck,  would  have 
won,  and  while  Typhoon  showed  great  speed  and  endurance, 
Ornament  added  to  this  by  as  thrilling  a  display  of  gameness 
as  was  ever  witnessed  on  a  race  course.  With  the  worst  of  the 
going  he  raced  from  the  whip  like  the  true  thoroughbred  that  he 
is,  and  in  the  last  quarter,  which  is  the  crucial  test,  cut  down 
Typhoon's  two  lengths  of  daylight  to  a  scant  neck.  Great  colt 
as  he  is,  it  was  a  lucky  win  for  Typhoon,  and  probably  even  his 
owner  would  not  care  to  have  him  measure  strides  again  with 
his  so  recently  defeated  opponent. 


KENTUCKY    DERBY _69 

Withal  Typhoon  is  by  no  means  the  faint-hearted  sprinter 
that  his  early  races  indicated;  he  shows  a  strong  infusion  of  the 
good  old  stout  Glenelg  blood,  and  if  Ornament  can  beat  him 
he  cannot  give  him  much  and  do  it. 

The  race  was  a  beautiful  one,  and  the  following  description, 
written  by  Mr.  E.  L.  Aroni,  turf  editor  of  the  Louisville  Courier- 
Journal,  could  scarcely  be  excelled  in  accuracy  as  well  as 
graphic  power. 

"It  lacks  eight  minutes  of  four  o'clock  when  the  six  colts 
line  up.  Ornament  begins  to  dance  a  little,  and  the  jockeying  of 
the  boys  on  the  other  starters  causes  a  wait.  Typhoon  does  not 
relish  the  delay,  and  prances  back  of  the  field.  In  a  few  minutes 
they  move  up  and  break,  but  Typhoon  whirls  around  and  the  flag 
does  not  fall.  A  minute  later,  when  they  have  been  at  the  post 
only  six  minutes,  they  break  once  again.  This  time  they  are 
caught  in  line  with  less  than  half  a  length  between  first  and  last. 
Down  go  the  red  and  yellow  squares.  There  is  a  roar  from  the 
crowded  grand  stand,  and  the  twenty-third  Kentucky  Derby 
is  begun. 

"What  all  careful  watchers  of  the  turf  expected  comes  to 
pass,  Typhoon  sweeps  to  the  front,  with  the  others  after  him. 
Garner  with  admirable  judgment  swings  the  big  chestnut  toward 
the  dry  middle  of  the  track  as  they  round  into  the  stretch. 
Goshen  and  Ben  Brown  are  lapped  on  him,  lying  toward  the  rail, 
but  on  good  going.  Dr.  Shepard  is  still  near  the  inside,  while 
behind  come  Ornament  and  Dr.  Catlett,  the  slowest  to  get 
m  motion.  "Teen"  Williams  starts  to  work  through  the  bunch 
with  Dr.  Catlett,  choosing  the  faster  part  of  the  track.  Clayton, 
on  the  other  hand,  carries  Ornament  toward  the  rail.  He  saves 
ground,  bearing  out  on  the  others  as  strongly  as  possible  to  get 
good  going,  but  thereby  using  energy  that  his  mount  will  need 
later  in  the  race. 


70  HISTORY    OF    THE 

"Rating  towards  the  stand  Typhoon's  splendid  burst  of  speed 
is  in  evidence.  He  comes  like  a  wild  horse  opening  a  gap  of 
three  daylight  lengths — a  yellow  streak,  like  that  other  one  that 
came  flying  along  the  outer  rail  across  the  track  eight  years  ago, 
when  Proctor  Knott  raced  home  just  one  jump  behind  Spokane. 
Like  Proctor  Knott  in  many  ways  this  same  Typhoon — in  color, 
action  and  the  unconquerable  desire  to  lead  his  field. 

"Passing  the  stand  Ornament  is  the  nearest  to  him.  Dr. 
S'hepard  is  at  the  favorite's  side  with  Ben  Brown  on  even  terms 
with  him.  Dr.  Catlett  is  close  up  and  running  strongly,  though 
showing  no  great  speed,  while  Goshen  even  this  early  is  in  trouble. 

"Scarcely  a  change  is  to  be  noted  as  they  round  the  turn  and 
near  the  finish  of  the  first  half-mile  of  their  journey.  Dr. 
Shepard  is  hanging  on  better  than  was  expected  and  Dr.  Catlett 
is  striving  gamely  to  lie  with  the  flying  leaders.  But  they  are 
out  of  it  clearly  barring  falls  and  sudden  deaths.  As  for  Ben 
Brown  and  Goshen  they  are  simply  striking  examples  of  the  dif- 
ference between  stake  and  plater  class  regardless  of  the  time 
test.  They  are  lost  in  the  dim  distance  before  the  end  of  the 
first  half-mile. 

"The  two  Doctors  are  good  colts,  and  game  colts,  but  from 
the  time  the  field  straightened  into  the  backstretch,  they  too  may 
be  dismissed  from  comment.  They  strive  hard,  but  that  chestnut 
demon  in  front  is  breaking  their  hearts,  and  their  utmost  efforts 
do  not  save  them  from  falling  foot  by  foot  farther  back  from  any 
chance  in  the  final   struggle   for  the  prize. 

"It  is  a  duel.  To  the  uninitiated  Typhoon  seems  to  be  merely 
rating  in  front  with  ample  in  reserve.  To  those  who  know  the 
colt  it  is  soul-stirring  to  see  that  other  little  chestnut  colt  buck- 
ling to  his  work,  holding  that  lead  down  to  three  lengths  and 
refusing  to  be  outfooted  by  a  splendid  sprinter. 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  71 

"Around  the  far  turn  Clayton  throws  the  whip  into  Orna- 
ment's side,  and  he  runs  out  from  under  it  marvelously.  A 
full  length  is  closed,  but  Clayton  settles  down  to  hand-riding 
again  and  no  more  of  the  gap  is  closed.  Again  he  does  this 
as  the  finish  of  the  first  mile  is  passed.  Again  he  changes  his 
tactics.    And  still  Typhoon  races  in  front. 

"Garner  is  proving  himself  a  rider  of  fine  quality.  He  is 
coaxing  Typhoon.  He  is  handling  a  colt  with  hand-riding,  and 
it  may  be  stated  right  here  that  no  prettier  bit  of  that  same 
sort  of  riding  has  been  seen  on  the  Louisville  track  since  the 
best  days  of  Isaac  Murphy,  with  the  one  exception  of  Simms' 
finish  on  Ben  Brush. 

"Garner  looks  neither  to  right  nor  left.  He  has  the  race  if 
he  can  hold.  He  swings  Typhoon  wide  into  the  homestretch, 
landing  him  in  the  best  and  dryest  path.  Ornament  must  catch 
that  colt  if  there  is  hope  for  him  to  win.  He  must  get  to 
Typhoon's  throat-latch  and  ask  him  the  question  of  courage. 
Clayton  takes  a  chance.  He  hugs  the  rail  and  saves  at  least  a 
length.  Then,  wisely,  he  bears  out  toward  the  hard  going.  Orna- 
ment is  closing  on  Typhoon. 

'^Clayton  goes  to  the  whip  at  the  eighth  pole  and  again 
Ornament  comes  forward  from  under  punishment.  He  is  nearing 
Typhoon.  What  is  that  boy  Garner  going  to  do?  Every  ounce 
in  Typhoon  is  out!  If  Garner  has  not  a  wonderfully  cool  head  he 
will  drop  the  rein  and  lift  the  whip.  He  does  not  do  it.  He 
looks  straight  ahead.  He  is  climbing  forward  on  the  leader's 
withers  coaxing  him  on,  coaxing  him  always  on.  Typhoon  is 
all  out,  but  Ornament,  too  is  staggering  a  length  back  and  the 
wire  is  overhead. 

"Ornament  is  gaming,  gaining  at  every  jump,  running  from  the 
whip,  ready  to  go  on  until  he  drops.  But  Typhoon,  with  that 
same  steam-engine  action  with  which  he  gained  his  lead,  is  hold- 


72  HISTORY    OF    THE 

ing  it.  The  wire  is  reached.  Garner  is  still  climbing  and  coaxing, 
Ornament  is  still  fighting  a  neck  back,  and  Typhoon  II.,  is 
winner  of  the  Kentucky  Derby  of  1897." 

For  three-year-olds  (foals  of  1894)  ;  $5  to  accompany  the 
nomination;  $15  to  be  paid  May  1,  1896;  $30  to  be  paid  March 
1,  1897;  $100  additional  to  start.  The  club  to  guarantee  the  value 
of  the  stakes  to  be  $6,000,  of  which  $700  to  second  and  $300  to 
third.  Colts  to  carry  122  pounds;  geldings  (at  time  of  starting), 
119  pounds;  fillies,  117  pounds.  Those  not  having  won  a  three- 
year-old  race  of  the  value  of  $1,500,  allowed  five  pounds;  maidens 
ten  pounds.  One  mile  and  a  quarter.  Closed  with  159  nomina- 
tions.    One  mile  and  a  quarter. 

Index         Starters  Jockeys  St.     ]/2     ?4         S.       F.     Betting 

(325)Typhoon  II,  117.... Garner  1  13  12  12  lh  11  to  5 
( 186)  Ornament,  117..  A.  Clavton  5  22  26  28  2  25  7  to  5 
(404)  Dr.  Catlett,  117.R.  Williams  6  41  48  4  10  34  4  to  1 
Dr.   Shepard,   117. .J.  Hill  4    3  4    3  6    3/2    4  30    15tol 

(336)  Goshen,  117 Wilhite  2    6        6        6        5  15  to  1 

(284)  Ben    Brown,    117. .  .Ballard  3    5352516  6tol 

Start  fair;   won  with  first  2  driving  hard.     Time— 2:12^4. 

J.  C.  Cahn's  ch  c  Typhoon  II,  by  imp.  Top  Gallant-Dolly 
Varden. 

TWENTY-FOURTH  DERBY  1898 

Kentucky  is  happy.  The  Kentucky  Derby  on  Wednesday  last 
was  won  by  a  Kentucky  horse,  bred,  owned  and  trained,  while 
Memphis  and  the  Southern  talent  are  clothed  in  sackcloth  and 
ashes.  The  gallant  Plaudit  lowered  the  colors  of  the  hitherto 
invincible  Lieber  Karl. 

The  day  of  the  great  event  opened  gloomy  and  showery,  and 
the  weather,  therefore,  reduced  the  crowd  which  would  have 
otherwise  been  perhaps  the  greatest  in  the  history  of  this  famous 
race.  Before  the  races  began,  however,  the  rain  ceased  and  a 
brilliant   assembly   saw   the  24th   Kentucky   Derby,  and  even   in 


KENTUCKY    DERBY 73 

numbers  the  crowd  suffered  little  in  comparison  with  previous 
Derby  Days,  from  ten  to  fifteen  thousand  people  being  present. 
The  track  had  been  deep  in  dust,  and  the  light  showers  of  the 
morning  made  the  track  a  little  slow  and  soggy,  but  by  no  means 
sloppy  or  muddy. 

Col.  M.  Lewis  Clark  was  presiding  judge  and  Secretary  Price 
his  associate. 

Thirteen  bookmakers  were  in  line  and  there  was  business  for 
twenty. 

Lieber  Karl's  Memphis  performances  had  made  him  the  hot- 
test tip  that  in  recent  years  has  started  for  the  Derby.  Although 
all  of  the  trainers  at  Louisville  had  been  confident  that  Plaudit 
would  win  the  Derby,  as  shown  in  the  reports  of  the  Louisville 
correspondent  of  The  Record,  the  Memphis  tip  was  brought  up 
so  hot  and  strong  by  the  Southern  delegation,  that,  with  few 
exceptions,  Plaudit's  sturdiest  friends  succumbed  and  sadly  con- 
cluded that  after  all  the  Memphis  Hindoo  would  beat  their  pet. 
The  most  notable  exceptions  were  Dr.  J.  D.  Neet,  who  bred 
Plaudit  and  who  was  there  to  pull  for  the  colt;  "Brown  Dick," 
who  trained  him  as  a  two-year-old,  and  Willie  Simms,  who 
was  to  ride  him.  Albert  Simons,  his  trainer,  felt  the  responsibility 
too  keenly  to  commit  himself  to  an  expression  of  opinion  and 
John  E.  Madden,  the  owner,  had  gone  to  New  York  two  days 
before  with  Plaudit's  half  brother  Glenheim,  of  which  he  is  said 
to  have  a  higher  opinion  of  even  than  Plaudit.  Major  Thomas, 
who  owned  Himyar  when  Plaudit  was  sired,  did  not  come  down 
from  his  Lexington  home  to  see  the  great  son  of  his  great  sire 
perform. 

The  bookies  had  nearly  all  come  from  Memphis,  and  were 
thoroughly  imbued  with  the  belief  that  no  horse  on  earth  could 
beat  Lieber  Karl,  and  that  every  dollar  they  bet  against  him 
was  thrown  away.    Hence  they  tentatively  put  up  9  to  20  Lieber 


74  HISTORYOFTHE 

Karl  and  2  to  1  Plaudit.  This  was  soon  changed  to  7  to  20 
Lieber  Karl  and  2y2  to  1  and  3  to  1  Plaudit,  and  2  to  1  the  field 
against  Karl.  As  the  other  two  starters — Isabey  and  Han  d'Or 
— were  considered  to  have  no  earthly  show  for  first  money  the 
bulk  of  the  money  was  forced  on  Plaudit  by  the  prohibitive  price 
on  Karl,  and  the  bookies  were  probably  losers  by  the  race,  al- 
though Mr.  Schorr  was  said  to  have  bet  heavily  on  his  colt. 

Karl  is  an  impressive  looking  fellow,  with  a  high-headed, 
dashing  way  of  going,  and  duly  impressed  the  spectators  as  he 
worked  by  the  stand.  He  is  a  handsome  horse,  much  resembling 
in  appearance  and  gait  Typhoon  II  and  First  Mate.  Plaudit,  on 
the  other  hand,  though  more  blood-like,  is  the  least  imposing 
looking  of  all  Cinderella's  great  sons  and  is  withal  a  sluggish 
racer.  He  has,  however,  a  clean,  low  frictionless  stride  far 
preferable  to  the  high  sweeping  action  of  his  rival,  and  his  clean- 
cut  thoroughbred  lines  and  splendid  chest  indicated  that  he  had 
both  gameness  and  stamina. 

There  was  little  delay  at  the  post,  and  when  the  flag  fell  Lieber 
Karl  at  once  shot  to  the  front,  and  came  by  the  stand  like  a  wild 
horse,  with  Burns  pulling  with  might  and  main  and  keeping  the 
rank  colt  well  within  himself.  Plaudit  was  on  the  outside  and 
running  last,  but  easily,  and  the  others  right  on  the  flying  Karl's 
heels.  Simms  sent  Plaudit  forward,  and  when  the  back  stretch 
was  reached  his  red  jacket  flashed  in  front  of  Isabey  and  Han 
d'Or,  who  were  never  noticed  again  in  the  race.  Lieber  Karl  was  still 
running  like  a  locomotive,  but  Simms  set  sail  for  him  and  before 
the  middle  of  the  back  stretch  was  reached  had  his  head  at  the 
leader's  flanks  and  held  his  place,  though  he  seemed  to  be  ex- 
tended, while  Karl  was  apparently  well  in  hand.  As  they  struck 
the  next  turn  Plaudit  made  a  move  to  go  up  but  Burns  let  out 
a  link  and  Karl  shot  away.  Simms  began  to  ride,  however,  and 
the  sluggish  Plaudit,  as  if  waiting  to  be  called  on,  held  his  own 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  75 

at  Lieber  Karl's  tail.  Straightened  into  the  run  home  Simms 
drew  his  whip  and  at  the  first  touch  of  the  lash  Plaudit  shot 
forward  and  slowly  drew  up  to  his  rival's  head,  and  at  the  last 
eighth  pole  they  were  on  even  terms.  Karl  for  the  first  time  this 
season  had  been  collared.  Not  till  then  did  Burns  begin  to  urge 
his  mount,  and  soon  the  catgut  was  raising  welts  upon  Karl's 
heaving  sides,  while  Simms  was  vigorously  plying  the  lash  to 
Plaudit.  It  was  a  desperate  duel  for  a  few  strides,  and  then 
Plaudit  gamely  responding  drew  away  and  the  race  was  over. 
Lieber  Karl  was  all  out,  and  while  Simms  rode  the  sluggish 
Plaudit  to  the  end,  he  no  longer  needed  the  lash  and  finished  with 
something  to  spare  by  a  full  length. 

When  the  winner  trotted  back  to  the  stand,  the  heartiest  ova- 
tion tendered  a  Derby  winner  in  recent  years  was  given  him. 
The  crowd  surged  through  the  gates  and  over  the  fence  and  it  was 
necessary  to  call  a  policeman  to  keep  the  enthusiastic  crowd  from 
the  horse's  heels.  A  wreath  of  red  roses  was  placed  about  the 
victor's  neck,  and  as  he  was  led  before  the  stand  the  crowd — 
ladies  and  all — arose  and  cheered  the  hero  to  the  echo. 

Kentucky  Derby ;  for  three-year-olds ;  guaranteed  value  $6,000. 
1  mile  and  a  quarter. 

Index         Starters             Jockeys  St.     x/2  Va  S.       F.  Betting 

Plaudit,    117 Simms  3    24  28  28  11  3  to  1 

(740) Lieber  Karl,  122 Burns  2     \yA  12  \y2  2  20  1  to  3 

191  Isabey,    117 Knapp  1     3h  3y2  3nk  33  12tol 

Han  d'Or,   117 Conley  4    4  4  4  4  25  to  1 

Start  good;  won  driving. 

Post  4  minutes.  Lieber  Karl  was  rank  and  Burns  had  him 
under  a  stout  pull  to  the  head  of  the  stretch:  he  tired  badly  in 
the  last  furlong.  Fractional  time— 0:25^,  0:50^,  1:17,  1:30, 
1 :43y2,  1 :55M,  209. 

J.  E.  Madden's  br  c  Plaudit,  by  Himyar,  imp.  Cinderella, 


76  HISTORYOFTHE 

TWENTY-FIFTH  DERBY  1899 

The  twenty-fifth  Kentucky  Derby  was  run  on  Thursday, 
May  4,  and  was  won  easily  by  A.  H.  and  D.  H.  Morns'  Manuel, 
ridden  by  Fred  Taral,  who  had  come  on  from  New  York  ex- 
pressly for  the  mount.  The  weather  was  warm  and  pleasant, 
though  cloudy,  and  the  track  deep  with  dust.  The  race  was  a 
poor  one  from  the  standpoint  of  time  and  would  seem  to  indi- 
cate that  with  the  single  exception  of  Manuel  there  was  not  a 
horse  of  Derby  class  of  ordinary  years  in  the  field.  Some  ex- 
cuses could  be  made  for  Corsine,  as  he  traveled  from  the  Pacific 
Coast  and  was  giving  from  five  to  twelve  pounds  to  his  op- 
ponents. But  the  son  of  Riley  showed  no  speed  at  any  part  of 
the  journey,  though  he  seemed  to  be  in  fine  form,  and  will  have 
to  improve  remarkably  to  win  rank  among  the  good  horses  of 
America.  There  is  not  much  to  say  about  the  others,  except  that 
they  finished  behind  Corsine.  Mazo  will  probably  do  much  better 
at  shorter  distance,  but  Fontainbleau  and  His  Lordship  seem  to 
be  counterfeits.  The  latter  was  trained  to  the  hour  by  his  trainer 
and  part  owner,  Mr.  John  Smith,  who  showed  his  skill  in  the  de- 
velopment of  the  crack  Mclvor  in  his  first  year  on  the  turf,  but 
he  shut  up  like  a  jack  knife  when  collared  and  dropped  out  of  it. 
But  few  words  are  needed  in  addition  to  the  form-sheet  in 
describing  the  race.  His  Lordship  took  the  lead  before  reaching 
the  grand  stand  and  going  down  the  back  stretch  seemed  to  be 
leading  easily  with  his  mouth  wide  open.  Taral  had  Manuel 
under  a  wrap  close  up  in  second  place  and  approaching  the  turn 
from  the  backstretch  he  nailed  the  leader.  There  was  a  moment's 
struggle  and  His  Lordship  fell  back  sulky  and  beaten  and  was 
no  longer  a  contender  in  the  race.  Coming  into  the  homestretch 
Corsine  made  his  run  and  half  way  home  came  up  under  the  whip 
and  for  an  instant  ha^l  his  head  at  Manual's  hips.     But  Taral 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  77 

shook  up  the  son  of  Bob  Miles  and  the  latter  springing  away, 
came  on  with  Taral  looking  over  his  shoulder,  and  won  without 
further  urging. 

Although  the  race  was  by  no  means  a  sensational  one,  yet  it 
was  the  Kentucky  Derby,  and  an  immense  crowd,  estimated  at 
20,000  people,  saw  the  race.  Of  this  number,  probably  one-third 
were  ladies  in  their  spring  toilets  and  presenting  a  scene  of 
beauty  which  is  equalled  at  no  other  race  in  America  save  the 
great  Kentucky  classic. 

There  were  eighteen  bookmakers  in  line.  The  executive  offi- 
cers were  as  follows: 

Presiding  Judge — Charles  F.  Price. 

Associate  Judge — Lew  Tarlton. 

Timers — Arthur  Newsom,  Pat  Dunne  and  Charles  McMeekin. 

Starter — Morgan  Chinn. 

Manuel  is  a  bay  colt,  sired  by  Bob  Miles,  son  of  P'at  Malloy 
and  Dolly  Morgan,  by  Revenue ;  dam  Espanita,  daughter  of  Alarm 
and  Outstep,  by  Blue  Eyes.  He  is  owned  by  Messrs.  A.  H.  and 
D.  H.  Morris,  and  trained  by  Robert  Walden,  son  of  Mr.  Wynd- 
ham  Walden,  one  of  the  greatest  of  American  trainers.  Manuel 
was  bred  by  George  J.  Long,  Bashford  Manor,  Louisville,  Ky., 
who  raced  him  in  his  two-year-old  form  until  October,  when  he 
was  bought  by  his  present  owners  for  $15,000.  Last  year  he 
started  twenty-one  times,  winning  three  races,  second  three  times, 
and  third  six  times. 

The  Kentucky  Derby;   for  three-year  olds;  guaranteed  value 
$6,000  IX  miles.    Fractional  time,  0:25^,  0:50^,  1:17^4,  1:45*4 
2:12.     151  nominations. 
Starters  Jockeys  St.     %.       */2       H      M.      S.       F.  Betting 

Manuel,  117 Taral  1     33    32    lh     12    12    12  11to20 

Corsine,  122.. T.  Burns  5    5        5        3h    23    24    2  5    3to    1 


78  HISTORYOFTHE 


Mazo,    117 Conlev  4    4  1     4nk  4  1    4  3  3  3    3  6    8  to   1 

His  Lordship,  110 

Turner  2    V/2     1  1  2  1     3  h  4J4     4  2  12  to    1 

Fontai'ebleu,   117 

Overton  3    2  1     2^  5        5  5        5      50  to    1 

Start  good.    Won  easily;  place  same.  Post  3  minutes.  Winner, 

b  c  by  Bob  Miles — Espanita.    Value  to  winner  $4,850. 


TWENTY-SIXTH  DERBY  1900 

Louisville,  Ky.,  May  3rd,  1900,  weather  fine,  track  fast.  One 
mile  and  a  quarter.  Time  2 :06^.  Value  $4,850,  second  $700, 
third  $300. 

Lieut.  Gibson,   117,   D.  Boland    1  by  4  lengths 

Florizar,    122,    Van    Dusen    2  by  2  lengths 

Thrive,  122,  Winkfield   3  by  1  length 

Highland  Lad,  His  Excellency,  Kentucky  Farmer,  Hindus 
also  ran.  Betting  10  to  7  on  Gibson.  Good  start.  Won  easily, 
place  same.     Gibson  made  his  field  look  common. 

Lieut.  Gibson,  br  c,  by  G.  W.  Johnson — Sophia  Hardy,  owned 
by  Charles  H.   Smith,  trained  by  Charles  Hughes. 

There  was  little  delay  at  the  post.  To  a  perfect  start,  His 
Excellency  was  the  first  to  show,  closely  followed  by  Lieut. 
Gibson  and  Kentucky  Farmer,  with  the  field  well  bunched.  When 
all  were  straightened  out  and  the  race  had  begun  Lieut.  Gibson 
took  command  from  the  momentary  leader  and  began  nodding 
ofif  fast  quarters  with  wonderful  regularity.  The  pace  rate  of 
speed  was  terrific  the  first  quarter,  being  run  in  :24^,  at  the 
end  of  which  the  gallant  pacemaker  let  out  a  link  and  running 
the  third  eighth  in  0:11^2  was  at  the  seven-eighths  pole  in  :35^4. 
Boland  now  steadied  the  big  colt  by  letting  him  rate  right  along. 
The  fourth  eighth  in  :12^  carried  him  to  the  three-quarter  pole 
in  :48,  a  heart-breaking  clip  of  the  first  half-mile  of  a  mile 
an<1  a  quarter  race, 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  79 

Carrying  117  pounds  as  lightly  as  a  feather,  Lieut.  Gibson 
still  going  easy,  traversed  the  first  three-quarters  in  1 :13^. 
The  conservative  element  among  the  backers  of  the  favorite 
became  uneasy  at  this  stage  of  the  race,  fearing  the  horse  would 
be  unable  to  withstand  the  tremendous  strain  of  the  fast  pace. 
A  second  time  Boland  took  hold  of  the  flying  leader  that  with 
measured  strides  seemed  to  be  annihilating  distance  and  defying 
time. 

A  second  glance  at  the  field  and  all  cause  of  doubt  as  to 
Gibson's  ability  to  live  at  the  flying  clip  was  expelled.  He 
was  going  easy,  much  easier  than  any  horse  behind  him,  and 
seemed  only  a  horse  out  for  a  good  stiff  breeze.  Passed  the  mile 
ground  in  1:402/5,  he  was  only  rating  along  three  lengths  in 
front  of  the  tired  His  Excellency,  with  Scoggan's  pair  Florizar 
and  Highland  Lad,  going  well,  but  in  no  danger  of  overhauling 
the  galloping  leader. 

Into  the  stretch,  a  novice  could  see  that  Gibson  was  going 
•easy,  and  coming  on  the  gallant  colt  passed  first  under  the  wire 
by  four  lengths  in  front  of  Florizar  that  Van  Dusen  had  most 
sensibly  not  driven  to  his  limit  when  he  found  it  impossible  to 
overtake  the  great  son  of  G.  W.  Johnson. 

The  time  was  2:06*4,  one  and  one-half  seconds  faster  than  the 
Kentucky  Derby  had  ever  been  run. 

TWENTY-SEVENTH  DERBY  1901 

Louisville,  Ky. ;  April  29,  1901.  Weather  fine;  track  fast. 
One  and  one-quarter  miles.  Time  2  :07}i,  value  to  winner  $4,850, 
second  $700,  third  $300.     134  nominations. 

His    Eminence.    1 17,    Winkfield     1  by  2-1 

Sannazarro,    117,    O'Connor    2  by  2-1 

Driscoll,   110,   Boland 3  by  2-1 


HISTORY    OF    THE 


Amur  and  Alard  Sheck  also  ran.  Betting  10  to  7  Scheck; 
3  His  Eminence.    Good  start.     Won  easily,  place  same. 

His  Eminence,  b  c,  by  Falsetto — Patroness.  Owned  by  F. 
B.   Van   Meter. 

DESCRIPTION    OF    RACE 

His  Eminence,  a  beautiful  bay  colt  by  Falsetto-Patroness  by 
Pat  Malloy,  foaled  in  the  Blue  Grass  and  trained  at  Churchill 
Downs,  won  the  twenty-seventh  renewal  of  the  Kentucky.  Sanna- 
zarro,  the  brown  son  of  imp.  Pirate  of  Penzance — Roseola  by 
Duke  of  Montrose,  was  second,  while  Driscoll,  Woodford  Clay's 
bay  colt  by  Dixon — Merry  Maiden  by  Virgil  was  third.  The 
time  was  2:0724-  Alard  Scheck,  the  odds-on  favorite,  the  prop- 
erty of  John  W.  Schoor,  of  Memphis  and  the  pride  of  all  Ten- 
nessee, finished  absolutely  last,  five  lengths  behind  Amur.  It 
was  a  truly  run  race  and  His  Eminence  outclassed  his  field. 

Twenty  thousand  people  saw  the  Derby  run.  The  grand  stand 
was  a  monster  hillside  of  beautiful  costumes  and  shining  faces. 

They  were  at  the  post  only  a  short  time — four  minutes.  There 
was  a  little  jockeying  for  positions,  one  false  break;  they  were 
called  back  and  lined  up  again.  Then  there  was  a  flash  of 
yellow  and  red,  a  long  hoarse  roar  from  the  thousands  packed 
in  the  stand  and  here  they  come,  five  good  colts  closely  bunched, 
with  the  black  nose  of  Alard  Scheck  showing  slightly  in  front. 

Before  the  colts  had  gone  fifty  yards  Winkfield  had  moved  his 
charge  up  to  first  position  and  as  they  passed  the  stand  His 
Eminence  was  half  a  length  in  front  of  Scheck,  while  Driscoll 
had  also  moved  up  and  was  only  a  neck  behind,  with  a  length 
between  him  and  Amur,  Sannazarro  bringing  up  the  rear.  They 
ran  the  first  eighth   in    :13,   and  passed   the   quarter   in    :25^. 

His  Eminence  was  beautifully  rated  by  Jockey  Winkfield,  the 
colored  bov.     He  carried  his  field  to   the   three-eighths   in    :38 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  81 

and  passed  to  the  half  in  :51,  consistent  pace  in  a  mile  and 
one-quarter  race.  His  Eminence,  in  fact  was  never  headed  after 
he  passed  the  stand  and  was  never  in  trouble.  He  made  his 
own  pace  and  Winkfield  shook  him  up  above  the  eighth  pole  and 
he  responded  gamely  and  came  on,  dashing  a  couple  of  lengths 
ahead  without  effort.  At  the  half,  he  was  a  length  to  the  good, 
at  the  five-eighths  he  was  a  length  and  one-half  to  the  good,  at 
the  three-quarter  pole  he  was  three  lengths  in  front  of  the 
bunch.  This  is  where  Winkfield  shook  him  up,  for  O'Connor 
on  Sannazarro ;  Boland  on  Driscoll  and  Dupee  on  Amur,  were 
whipping  and  digging  the  rowels  into  the  satiny  sides  of  their 
mounts. 

And  Alard  <Scheck,  the  favorite?  J.  Woods,  the  crack  Schorr 
jockey,  had  him  under  restraint,  believing  the  colt  would  be 
able  to  win  easily  when  he  got  good  and  ready.  He  was  under 
a  steady  pull  for  the  first  three-quarters,  and  when  Woods  called 
on  him  he  did  the  worse  thing  a  horse  can  do  next  to  quitting — 
he  sulked.  When  Woods  attempted  to  lay  him  down  he  posi- 
tively refused  to  go  ahead  and  finished  five  lengths  behind  Amur. 
the  next  to  the  last  horse. 

His  Eminence  continued  to  increase  his  lead,  and  as  they 
round  into  the  stretch  the  colored  boy  looked  over  his  shoulder 
and  saw  the  others  hopelessly  beaten.  He  kept  His  Eminence 
under  restraint  all  the  way  through  the  stretch  and  won  easily 
by  two  lengths  in  2:07)4.  O'Connor  gave  a  fine  exhibition  of 
riding  on  Sannazarro  and  while  the  Hayes  colt  was  not  quite 
up  to  such  a  race  as  the  Derby  was,  he  got  all  out  of  him  that 
was  in  him  and  finished  second  ahead  of  Driscoll,  as  easily 
as  His  Eminence  finished  ahead  of  him. 

The  fractional  time  of  the  race  was  :13,  :25T/>,  :38,  :51, 
1:04,  1:163/4,  1:29,  1:43,  l:55j4,  2:07^.    - 


82  HISTORY    OF    THE 

TWENTY-EIGHTH  DERBY  1902 

Louisville,  Ky.,  May  3,  1902.  Weather  fine,  track  fast.  One 
and  one-quarter  miles.  Time  2:0834.  Value  to  winner  $4,850, 
second  $700,  third  $300.     112  nominations. 

Alan-a-Dale,   117,  Winkfield    1  by  a  nose 

Inventor,    117,   R.  Williams    2  by  Y2-\ 

The  Rival,  117,  N.  Turner   3  by  a  nose 

Abe  Frank,   122,   Coburn 4 

Betting  5  to  3  on  Frank,  6  to  5  Dale  and  Rival  coupled. 
Good  start,  won  driving,  place  driving.  Alan-a-Dale  outclassed 
his  field. 

Alan-a-Dale,  ch  c,  3,  by  Halma — Sudie  McNairy.  Owned 
by  Thos.  C.  McDowell. 

DESCRIPTION    OF    RACE 

The  New  Louisville  Jockey  Club  opened  their  gates  on  Satur- 
day, May  3,  which  was  Derby  Day,  and  as  everybody  old  and 
young,  who  can,  goes  to  the  races,  the  crowd  was  enormous. 
Among  the  large  assemblage  were  notable  people  from  all  over 
the  United  States,  including  many  high  State  officials.  The  vic- 
tory of  Alan-a-Dale  was  the  most  popular  Derby  win  ever 
run  at  Churchill  Downs.  T.  C.  McDowell  the  owner  of  the 
fortunate  horse,  which  carried  off  the  honors  in  game  and  gal- 
lant style  by  winning  the  Blue  Riband,  bred  this  horse  himself 
at  his  Ashland  Stud. 

The  Derby  was  a  true  run  race  and  the  best  horse  won  and 
as  the  English  say,  that  any  horse  that  makes  his  own  pace  at  a 
mile  or  over  from  the  drop  of  the  flag  to  the  finish  must  cer- 
tainly be  the  best  horse.  It  was  Alan-a-Dale  all  through  the 
race.  The  crowd  yelled  and  cheered  itself  hoarse  even  those 
who  bet  and  lost  on  other  horses  in  the  race,  joined  in  the 
cheering.  When  it  was  over  it  was  a  sight  worth  going  a 
thousand   miles   to   see.     It   seemed   as   though   everybody   was 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  83 


looking  for  the  popular  owner,  T.  C.  McDowell  to  shake  him 
by  the  hand  and  congratulate  him. 

The  pace  was  fast  for  the  first  mile  and  then  it  dropped  off 
badly,  but  when  one  really  notices  how  fast  Alan-a-Dale  went 
the  first  mile  in  the  race,  they  will  not  wonder  that  the  last 
quarter  was  so  slow.  A  first  glance  at  the  time  of  the  race  one 
would  think  from  a  time  standpoint  that  it  was  a  bad  race,  but 
when  compared  with  other  races  of  its  kind,  you  will  see  that 
in  all  races  that  are  fast  run  the  horses  who  make  the  fast  time 
generally  rate  along  instead  of  running  the  first  part  of  it  real 
fast.  In  his  race,  Alan-a-Dale,  according  to  our  timing  ran 
as  follows:  %  :\2y2,  %  :25,  V&  :37y2  ]/2  -A9y4,  s/8  l:Q2y2, 
%  1:14%,  %  1:27^4,  1  mile  1:40%;  V/8  miles  1 :54y2  and  \% 
miles  in  2:08%. 

Of  course,  the  winner  tired  greatly  after  setting  the  terrific 
pace  he  did  in  the  early  part  of  the  race,  but  the  other  horses 
also  tired  as  much  by  trying  to  keep  within  striking  distance 
of  him.  Abe  Frank,  although  conceding  the  winner,  Alan-a- 
Dale,  Inventor,  the  second  horse  and  The  Rival,  the  third  horse, 
five  pounds  each,  was  only  beaten  a  scant  length  by  Alan-a-Dale 
and  a  half  length  and  a  neck  t>y  Inventor  and  The  Rival.  It 
was  a  great  race  to  watch  from  start  to  finish.  At  the  finish  of 
the  race  all  four  jockeys  were  riding  like  demons,  and  the 
favorite,  Abe  Frank,  was  beaten  because  he  was  not  the  best 
horse  at  the  weights  that  day.  Inventor  and  The  Rival,  second 
and  third  horses  in  this  race  were  well  ridden  and  ran  gamely, 
but  there  is  no  way  they  could  have  been  closer  up  at  the  finish 
no  matter  in  what  way  they  would  have  changed  their  running. 
All  the  glory  and  honor  belongs  to  Alan-a-Dale  and  his  popular 
owner  and  trainer,  Mr.  T.  C.  McDowell  of  Lexington,  who  in 
spite  of  winning  this  great  event,  has  also  a  great  misfortune 


84  HISTORYOFTHE 

to  bear  as  Alan-a-Dale  has  broken  down  and  it  is  doubtful  if 
he  will  ever  face  the  starter  again. 

TWENTY-NINTH  DERBY  1903 

Louisville,  Ky.,  May  2,  1903.  Weather  fine,  track  fast.  llA 
miles,  time  2 :09.  Value  to  winner  $4,850,  second  $700,  third  $300. 
Nominations  not  given. 

Judge  Himes,  117,  H.  Booker   1  by  ^-ls 

Early,  117,  Winkfield   2  by    4-ls 

Bourbon,   110,   Crowhurst    3  by    6-ls 

Bad  News,  Woodlake,  Treacy  also  ran.  Betting  5  to  3  on 
Early,  4  Bourbon  and  Woodlake  coupled,  12  Himes.  Poor  start. 
Won  driving,  place  easily.    Himes  ran  an  excellent  race. 

Judge  Himes,  ch  c  by  Esher — Lullaby.  Owned  by  C.  R. 
Ellison,  trained   by  J.   P.  Mayberry. 

Within  the  shadow  of  the  wire,  Judge  Himes  snatched  from 
Early  the  twenty-ninth  Kentucky  Derby  at  Qiurchill  Downs 
to-day.  It  may  have  been  the  over  confidence  of  Winkfield  that 
lost  to  the  favorite  the  blue  ribbon  event  of  the  Blue  Grass  State. 
Bourbon,  six  lengths  off,  was  third,  while  Bad  News,  Woodlake 
and  Treacy  finished  in  the  order  named.  It  was  a  Derby 
run  and  won  not  by  the  touted,  odds-on  favorite,  but  by  the 
much  despised  outsider,  but  be  it  said  to  the  credit  of  colt  and 
jockey,  he  was  well  piloted  and  when  Judge  Himes  passed  under 
the  wire  winner  of  the  classic  event,  it  was  to  the  plaudits  of 
all  Kentucky.  The  victory  was  a  surprise  even  to  Mr.  Ellison 
who  had  not  thought  his  colt  good  enough  to  win. 

A  Kentucky  Derby  always  marks  an  epoch  in  Kentucky  his- 
tory; time  and  incidents  are  reckoned  from  one  Derby  to  the 
next,  and  the  event  of  to-day  was  characteristic,  for  there  was 
the  same  surging,  jostling,  mass  of  humanity,  crowding  stands 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  85 

and  paddock  and  overflowing  to  the  field.  Eighteen  thousand 
people  were  in  attendance. 

It  was  an  exciting  finish.  Early,  with  a  length  and  a  half 
to  the  good,  was  ridden  down  the  stretch  as  though  the  race 
had  already  been  won,  when  within  the  last  sixteenth  H.  Booker 
brought  up  Judge  Himes  and  in  a  merciless  finish  Early  who 
had  lost  his  stride  by  the  overconfident  Winkfield,  was  beaten 
three-quarters  of  a  length  by  the  practically  neglected  colt.  The 
day  was  perfect.  From  the  South  drifted  an  invigorating  breeze, 
bearing  the  fragrance  of  sprouting  foliage  on  the  nearby  hills, 
of  which  the  green  slopes  of  Sugar  Loaf  and  Iroquois  afforded 
a  delightful  rest  to  the  eyes  bewildered  by  a  maze  of  gorgeous 
costumes  and  myriads  of  beautiful  faces,  banked  tier  upon  tier 
in  the  grand  stand  and  club  house  terrace  and  representing  the 
fairest  of  Kentucky's  womanhood. 

The  track  was  fast.  The  six  colts  were  not  kept  long  at  the 
post,  and  after  some  ten  minutes  consumed  in  getting  them  in 
line,  the  flag  went  down  and  the  Derby  was  on.  When  Starter 
Holtman  gave  the  word  the  colts  were  almost  at  the  fretful  line 
and  the  jockeys  found  Woodlake  of  the  McDowell  entry  hug- 
ging the  inside  rail  with  the  others  well  bunched  and  Judge 
Himes  a  half  length  away.  They  raced  in  this  position  past 
the  stand,  Bad  News  being  third,  Early  fourth  and  Bourbon  fifth, 
while  Treacy  brought  up  the  rear.  When  they  made  the  lower 
turn  it  was  evident  that  Helgesen  on  Woodlake  wanted  to  make 
a  runaway  race  of  it,  for  he  had  increased  his  lead  to  two 
lengths.  Bad  News  had  moved  up  to  second  position  with 
Judge  Himes  a  neck  away,  while  Early  still  maintained  his 
position  of  fourth,  Bourbon  being  fifth  and  Treacy  a  half  dozen 
lengths  in  the  ruck  and  out  of  the  race. 


86  HISTORY    OF    THE 

When  the  colts  had  been  straightened  out  on  the  back  stretch 
the  canary  jacket  of  Jockey  Winkfield  emerged  from  the  rear 
and  with  an  unusual  burst  of  speed. 

"Early  wins!"  was  the  exultant  cry  of  the  vast  majority  of 
the  crowd  as  the  son  of  Troubadour  with  even,  steady  stride, 
moved  to  the  front.  When  the  three-quarters  was  reached  he 
was  in  easy  command  with  nearly  a  length  to  the  good  and 
this  lead  he  increased  as  they  rounded  the  last  turn  for  the  final 
struggle.  Meanwhile  Judge  Himes  and  Bad  News  had  been 
having  an  almost  neck  and  neck  race  of  it  for  third  place,  with 
their  noses  at  the  flank  of  Woodlake,  which  had  continued 
to  show  the  way  down  the  backstretch,  until  he  had  surrendered 
to  Early's  burst  of  speed.  As  the  colts  made  the  swing  for  the 
turn  into  the  stretch,  Booker  saw  an  opening  and  when  they 
had  straightened  out  he  had  Judge  Himes  next  the  rail.  There 
was  but  one  horse  between  him  and  victory.  Maintaining  a  com- 
fortable position,  some  two  lengths  behind  the  favorite  it  was 
not  until  he  had  passed  the  eighth  pole  that  he  called  on  him 
for  speed.  In  the  interim  Winkfield  sat  quietly  on  Early,  con- 
templating the  victory  so  near  at  hand,  and  not  until  Judge 
Himes  thundered  down  upon  him  was  he  apparently  conscious 
of  the  colt's  approach.  Winkfield  half  turned,  than  quickly 
resorted  to  the  whip  and  spur.  But  it  was  too  late, 
Judge  Himes  passing  under  the  wire  winner  of  the 
event,  with  the  question  of  supremacy  still  a  mooted  one. 
The  fractional  time  for  the  race  was  :25y2,  :51,  1  :l6y2,  1 :42,  2:09. 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  87 

THIRTIETH  DERBY  1904 

Louisville,  Ky.,  May  2.  Weather  fine,  track  fast.  One  and 
one-quarter  miles.  Time  2:08^-  Value  to  winner  $4,850,  second 
$700,  third  $300.     140  nominations. 

Elwood,  117  Prior  1 

Ed.  Tierney,  117,  Dominick   2 

Brancas,  117,  Lyne 3 

Prince  Silverwings,  117,  Austin   4 

Proceeds,  122,  Helgeson    5 

Betting  evens  Proceeds,  2  Brancas,  4  Tierney,  8  Silverwings, 
10  Elwood.  Good  start,  won  driving.  Silverwings,  Proceeds, 
Tierney  and  Elwood  ran  1st,  2nd,  3rd  and  4th  for  \l/&.  Proceeds 
stumbled   at  start. 

Elwood,  b  c,  3,  by  Free  Knight — Petticoat.  Owned  by  Mrs. 
C.  E.  Durnell,  trained  by  C.  E.  Durnell. 

DESCRIPTION    OF    RACE 

In  the  presence  of  one  of  the  largest  crowds  ever  seen  at 
Churchill  Downs  race  track  the  thirtieth  renewal  of  the  Kentucky 
Derby  was  decided  on  Monday.  The  winner  turned  up  in  El- 
wood, a  son  of  Free  Knight  and  Petticoat  by  Alarm,  and  the 
outsider  in  the  betting.  Elwood  was  bred  by  Mrs.  J.  B. 
Prather,  Marysville,  Mo.  Proceeds,  the  favorite,  took  com- 
mand just  after  the  start,  but  began  to  quit  before  five  fur- 
longs had  been  negotiated.  The  Talbot  horse,  Prince  Silver- 
wings, who  had  been  in  second  place,  now  took  the  lead  and  led 
the  way  until  well  in  the  stretch,  where  lack  of  condition  told  and 
he  gave  way  to  Elwood  who  had  trailed  the  field  to  this  point. 
Ed  Tierney  joined  Elwood  at  the  paddock  gate,  and  from  there 
on  the  race  was  between  the  two,  Elwood  winning  by  half 
length.  Elwood  was  a  seasoned  horse  and  this  probably  gave 
him  the  race.  According  to  our  way  of  thinking,  Prince  Silver- 
wings would  have  won  easily  had  he  been  fit.     While  a  small 


HISTORY    OF    THE 


horse  he  is  well  made  and  showed  he  possessed  more  speed  than 
anything  in  the  race.  Take  it  all  in  all,  one  cannot  help  but 
say  that  they  were  a  bad  lot  of  Derby  horses,  and  if  such  a 
horse  as  Ben  Brush,  Ornament,  Halma  or  Alan-a-Dale  had  been 
there  they  would  have  looked  like  $200  selling  platers.  It  was 
a  nice  race  to  look  at,  every  horse  looked  to  have  a  chance  the 
entire  route,  well  bunched  they  struggled  hard  and  did  their 
best.  The  time,  2:08^2,  was  good  when  you  consider  the  time 
made  in  previous  Derbies.  Judge  Himes  won  the  Derby  in  2:09, 
Alan-a-Dale  in  2:08%,  His  Eminence  in  2:07%,  Lieut.  Gibson  in 
2:06IA,  Plaudit  in  2:09,  Typhoon  II.,  in  2:12^  and  Ben  Brush 
in  2:07%,  all  carrying  the  same  weight.  117  pounds. 

THIRTY-FIRST  DERBY  1905 

Louisville,  Ky.,  May  10,  1905.  Weather  clear.  Track  muddy. 
\%    miles.      Value   to   winner    $4,850,    second   $700,    third    $300. 

Time  2:10%.     Nominations   ( ). 

Agile,   122,   J.   Martin    1 

Ram's    Horn,    117,    Lyne    2 

Layson,  1 17,  D.  Austin   3 

Betting  3  to  1  on  Agile,  2  Horn,  15  Layson.  Won  by  three 
lengths,  ten  lengths  between  second  and  third. 

Agile,  bay  colt,  3,  by  Sir  Dixon — Alpena.  Owned  by  Capt. 
S.  S.  Brown. 

DESCRIPTION    OF    RACE. 

Today  is  Derby  Day  in  Louisville  and  the  thirty-first  run- 
ning of  the  Kentucky  Derby  was  won  by  Capt.  S.  S.  Brown's 
Agile,  with  Ram's  Horn  in  second  place  and  Layson  third. 
The  attendance  was  the  largest  in  the  history  of  the  famous 
track  and  the  twenty  thousand  people  who  stood  and  watched  the 
race  looked  like  a  solid  mass  of  humanity.  At  1  o'clock  the 
track  was  a  sea  of  mud,  but  after  an  hour's  working  it  had 


KENTUCKY    DERBY 


dried  out  considerably  and  was  in  fair  condition  when  the 
bugle  called  the  Derby  candidates  to  the  post. 

The  crowd  waited  patiently  for  the  Derby,  which  was  the 
fourth  race  on  the  card  and  at  15  minutes  past  4  o'clock  the 
three  colts  passed  from  the  paddock  out  into  the  broad,  heavy 
path.  A  cheer  that  is  almost  a  roar  goes  up  from  the  crowd. 
The  parade  takes  but  a  few  minutes  and  they  passed  on  up  to 
the  turn,  where  Starter  Dwyer  gives  the  boys  a  few  words  of 
instructions  and  almost  before  the  crowd  has  had  time  to 
realize  it,  they're  off  to  a  beautiful  start,  and  here  they  come 
on  the  trip  that  means  so  much  to  the  admirers  of  both  star 
performers. 

Jockey  Martin  has  his  orders  regarding  Agile,  and  obeying 
these  instructions  to  the  letter,  he  starts  out  to  show  Ram's 
Horn  a  merry  time,  because  it  is  a  well-known  fact  that  the 
son  of  Bute  is  unable  to  do  himself  justice  in  the  mud.  They 
pass  the  stand  with  Agile  a  length  in  front,  while  Jockey  Lyne, 
on  Ram's  Horn,  is  trying  to  rate  his  colt  and  keep  him  within 
striking  distance  of  the  leader.  Even  at  this  early  point  in  the 
race  Layson  is  hopelessly  beaten  and  even  to  the  most  inex- 
perienced, he  is  merely  running  for  the  money  that  goes  to  the 
third  horse.  The  cherry  jacket  and  blue  cap  which  is  on  Agile's 
back  bobs  up  and  down  like  a  cork  in  a  choppy  sea.  The  black 
silk  on  Ram's  Horn's  back  moves  through  space  with  very 
little  motion.  A  long  roar  like  the  snarl  of  a  multitude  of  bulldogs 
comes  from  the  stand  and  spreads  itself  over  the  crowd  in  the 
infield  and  reverberates  from  the  whitewashed  barns  on  the 
other  side  of  the  beautiful  course.  This  is  the  cry  of  the 
people  from  the  Blue  Grass  land,  friends  of  Ram's  Horn,  the 
poor  man's  horse.     The  real  race  has  only  begun. 

As  they  round  the  first  turn,  Martin  lets  out  a  wrap  and 
Agile  shoots  forward  like  an  arrow  from  a  bow.     Ram's  Horn 


90  HISTORY    OF    THE 


is  too  close  for  comfort,  and  the  boy  has  orders  to  keep  the 
I^ad.  Then  they  turn  into  the  back  stretch,  and  here  Ram's 
HWn  runs  his  race.  With  whip  and  spur  and  with  his  knees 
digging  into  the  satiny  sides  of  Ram's  Horn,  Jockey  Lyne 
asked  the  question  of  the  son  of  Bute.  Instantly  the  game 
colt  responds,  and  before  the  half-mile  pole  is  reached  Ram's 
Horn  has  cut  the  lead  down  to  one  length  and  his  nose  is  very 
close  to  Agile's  tail. 

The  positions  do  not  change  for  a  quarter  of  a  mile.  Then 
the  favorite  gradually  begins  to  move  away  from  Rams  Horn 
in  spite  of  the  vigorous  efforts  of  Lyne.  But  its  no  use — the 
track  is  muddy  and  sticky  and  slippery,  and  this  son  of  one 
of  the  best  stallions  any  American  ever  brought  to  this  country 
from  England  is  unused  to  the  going  and  does  not  like  it.  And 
so  they  turn  into  the  home  stretch,  with  Agile  two  lengths  in 
front  and  galloping  with  his  mouth  wide  open,  while  Ram's 
Horn  is  laboring  many  lengths  in  front  of  Layson. 

The  shouting  and  the  tumult  die  and  Martin,  realizing  that 
his  victory  is  now  assured,  eases  his  mount  to  an  ordinary 
gallop,  while  Lyne,  on  Ram's  Horn,  also  refuses  to  drive  Jim 
Williams'  colt,  because  he  knows  the  case  is  hopeless.  They 
pass  under  the  wire  in  a  straggling  procession,  with  little  ex- 
citement or  applause.  The  time,  2:10^,  shows  the  condition 
of  the  track. 

THIRTY-SECOND  DERBY  1906 

Louisville,  Ky.,  May  2,  1906.  Weather  fine,  track  good.  1% 
miles.  Time  2:08  4/5.  Value  to  winner  $4,850,  second  $700, 
third  $300.     110  nominations. 

Sir    Huon,    117,    Troxler    1 

Lady   Navarre,    117,    Burns    ..2 

James  Reddick,  117,  Dominick .3 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  91 

Hyperion  II.,  Debar,  Velours  also  ran. 

Betting  6  to  5  Huon,  9  to  5  Navarre  and  Reddick  coupled 
7  to  2  Debar ;  8  Hyperion,  40  Velours.  Good  start.  Won  easily 
by  two  lengths,  3  between  second  and  third. 

Sir  Huon,  b  c,  3,  by  Falsetto — Ignite.  Owned  by  George  J. 
Long  of  Louisville,  Ky.,  trained  by  Pete  Coyne. 

DESCRIPTION    OF    RACE. 

Sir  Huon,  carrying  the  colors  of  George  J.  Long,  one  of  the 
most  popular  breeders  of  Kentucky,  won  the  thirty-second 
Kentucky  Derby,  at  Churchill  Downs  on  May  2,  before  one 
of  the  most  representative  gatherings  that  ever  witnessed  this 
classic  event. 

Guided  by  Roscoe  Troxler,  he  crossed  the  finishing  line  two 
lengths  in  front  of  the  gallant  little  filly,  Lady  Navarre,  which 
beat  her  stable  companion,  James  Reddick,  by  three  lengths. 
Five  lengths  behind  came  Hyperion  II,  which  had  set  a  heart- 
breaking pace,  and  a  dozen  lengths  behind  the  latter  was 
Debar,  which  carried  the  'hopes  and  money  of  the  Lexington 
contingent,  and  last  of  all.  practically  beaten  off,  came  Velours, 
from    Sunny   Tennessee. 

Sir  Huon  did  not  win  easily,  for  he  was  a  very  tired  horse 
at  the  finish,  and  it  required  great  skill  on  the  part  of  his 
jockey  to  nurse  him  through  the  final  furlong ;  at  the  same 
time,  it  might  be  said  that  those  behind  him  were  more  tired. 
Sir  Huon  was  by  long  odds  the  best  looking  horse  in  the  race ; 
in  fact,  he  looked  the  Derby  horse  all  over,  and  he  is  the  first  real 
Derby  horse  that  has  crossed  the  wire  in  front  since  Alan-a- 
Dale  struggled  home  on  three  legs. 

Considering  that  Lady  Navarre  was  conceding  five  pounds  to 
the  winner,  a  good  deal  of  credit  must  be  given  to  her.  She 
ran  a  great  race,  but  that  was  today,  and  in  the  opinion  of 
many,  she  will  never  be  able  to  get  that  close  to  Sir  Huon  again. 


92  HISTORYOFTHE 

It  was  a  great  day  for  Louisville,  and  everyone  with  a  trace 
of  sporting  blood  in  his  veins  was  out  to  see  the  Derby,  and 
when  a  home-bred  horse  won,  the  crowd  demonstrated  that  the 
victory  of  Mr.  Long  was  a  most  popular  one.  They  cheered 
him  from  the  time  he  left  the  paddock  until  he  crossed  the 
wire,  only  to  renew  it  when  the  usual  formalities  were  gone 
through  with  at  the  judges'  stand. 

There  was  no  delay  at  the  post,  and  as  the  barrier  was 
lowered,  the  horses  came  walking  up  and  Starter  Dwyer  gave 
the  word.  "They're  off!"  yelled  the  crowd  with  one  accord, 
and  down  the  stretch  came  the  sextette  in  pretty  close  order. 
Nearing  the  eighth  pole,  Hyperion  II  drew  clear  and  by  the 
time  the  judges'  stand  was  reached  he  was  three  lengths  in 
front,  with  Velours  and  Sir  Huon  next  in  order.  Then  came 
Lady  Navarre  and  James  Reddick,  and  Debar  brought  up  the 
rear.  As  the  club-house  turn  was  rounded,  Sir  Huon  dropped 
in  behind  Hyperion  II,  and  there  he  laid  all  the  way  up  the 
back  stretch.  Velours  was  done  when  the  field  straightened 
out  in  the  backstretch,  and  James  Reddick,  which  showed 
unexpected  speed,  moved  up  behind  Sir  Huon.  Out  in 
front  Hyperion  II  was  still  sifting  sand,  Troxler  sitting  still 
and  holding  Sir  Huon  well  in  hand.  Lady  Navarre,  who  had 
suffered  a  little  interference  on  the  lower  turn,  was  being 
whipped  to  keep  up  and  Velours  was  now  the  trailer. 

As  they  approached  the  far  turn,  Hyperion  still  had  a  clear 
lead,  but  now  Troxler  had  gone  to  work  on  the  son  of  Falsetto 
and  it  took  considerable  of  an  effort  on  his  part  to  run  the 
flying  Hyperion  down.  He  caught  him  and  passed  him  on  the 
stretch  turn  and  then  the  Ellison  pair  closed,  as  the  rest  were 
beaten.  Straightened  for  home.  Troxler  plied  his  whip  and 
then  sat  down  to  ride.  Dominick  was  busy  on  James  Reddick 
and  Burns  was  putting  forth  his  best  efforts  on  Lady  Navarre, 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  93 

but  it  was   to   no   avail,   for   the   big  colt   had   enough  left   to 
stall  off  the  efforts  of  the  tired  pair  behind  him. 

Sir  Huon  broke  a  tradition  in  the  race,  and  that  was  that 
a  colt  which  had  not  previously  started  the  same  year  that 
the  Derby  was  run  always  got  beat,  no  matter  how  good  his 
work   might   have   been. 

THIRTY-THIRD  DERBY  1907 

Louisville,  Ky.,  May  6,  1907. — Weather  bad.  Track  heavy. 
1*4  miles.  Time  2:12  3/5.  Value  to  winner  $4,850,  second 
$700,  third  $300.     128  nominations. 

Pink   Star,    117,   Minder 1 

Zal,  117,  Boland 2 

Ovelando,   117,   Nicol 3 

Redgauntlet,  Austin ;  Wool  ,Sandals ;  Koerner ;  and  Orland- 
wick,  J.  Lee  also  ran. 

Betting  6  to  5  Redgauntlet ;  3  each  Ovelando  and  Sandals ;  8 
Zal,  10  Orlandwick.  Good  start.  Won  easily  by  2  lengths;  1 
between  2nd  and  3rd. 

Pink  Star,  b  c,  3,  by  Pink  Coat — Mary  Mallov.  Owned  by 
J.  Hal  Woodford,  trained  by  W.  H.  Fizer. 

In  the  presence  of  an  enormous  crowd,  J.  Hal  Woodford's 
Pink  Star  won  the  Kentucky  Derby  at  Churchill  Downs  on 
Monday,  the  opening  day  of  the  New  Louisville  Jockey  Club's 
spring  meeting.  Behind  Pink  Star  were  Zal,  Ovelando,  Red- 
gauntlet, Wool  Sandals  and  Orlandwick. 

Redgauntlet  was  made  favorite.  Pink  Star's  victory  was  not 
a  popular  one.  The  public  had  no  confidence  in  the  flashy 
grandson  of  the  great  Leonatus,  which  won  the  same  event  in 
1883,  and  neither  did  his  owner  Hal  Woodford  of  Paris,  K}\ 
But  his  trainer,  W.  H.  Fizer,  fairly  bubbled  with  enthusiasm 
over  the  chances  of  his  colt.    "So  these  are  the  Derby  horses?" 


94  HISTORY    OF    THE 

said  the.  "Well,  if  they  are  Derby  colts,  Pink  Star  will  walk 
in."     So  he  did. 

The  race  itself  was  robbed  of  a  great  deal  of  interest  by  the 
withdrawal  of  Arcite,  which  did  not  start  on  account  of  the 
going.  His  owner,  George  J.  Long,  waited  until  the  last  moment 
before  scratching  him,  chiefly  on  account  of  the  sentiment  that 
has  marked  his  career  on  the  turf.  Air.  Long  is  a  Louisville 
man,  he  takes  great  pride  in  her  institutions,  one  of  which  is 
the  "Darby",  and  he  felt  as  if  he  were  duty  bound  to  run  the 
colt,  but  after  consulting  with  his  trainer,  decided  that  the  going 
was  impossible. 

After  the  parade  passed  the  grandstand  and  clubhouse,  the 
horses  cantered  to  the  post,  and  it  was  but  a  moment  before 
Starter  Holtman  sprung  the  barrier  and  the  thirty-third  Derby 
was  on.  As  they  swept  pass  the  stand  the  first  time,  Zal  was 
leading,  with  Ovelando  second  and  Wool  Sandals  third.  Around 
the  clubhouse  turn,  it  was  quite  noticeable  that  Pink  Star,  with 
his  pink-coated  jockey  was  bringing  up  the  rear.  Round  the 
lower  turn  they  went  and  now  Zal  had  a  clear  lead  and  was 
running  freely.  Ovelando  was  under  restraint  and  was  a  good 
second,  next  to  the  rail.  Redgauntlet  had  dropped  to  the  rear 
and  Austin  was  busy  with  the  whip  but  there  was  no  response. 
Up  the  back  stretch  they  went,  Zal  with  gigantic  strides,  still  in 
front  and  Ovelando  was  going  easily  close  up.  Redgauntlet 
moved  up  a  bit  and  Pink  Star  was  last.  As  the  three-eighths 
pole  was  reached,  Nicol  went  up  to  Zal,  and  it  looked  as  if  he 
could  pass  the  Gerst  colt  any  time  he  wanted  to.  Pink  Star  was 
moving  up  on  the  extreme  outside.  Nicol  rounded  the  stretch 
turn  on  even  terms  with  Zal  and  the  cry  went  up.  "Ovelando 
walks  in."  But  the  jubilation  was  too  early,  for  Zal  drew  away 
a  bit  as  the  field  straightened  for  home  and  Nicol  drew  his 
whip.      Pink    Star    was    still    coming.      At    the    eighth    pole    the 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  95 

positions  were  still  the  same,  but  here  Ovelando  began  to  hang 
out  signals  of  distress  and  he  was  done.  Pink  Star  by  this  time 
had  gotton  on  almost  even  terms  with  Zal  and,  as  the  sixteenth 
pole  was  passed,  he  was  slowly  drawing  away  from  the  fleet- 
footed  chestnut.  A  few  strides  and  it  was  all  over,  for  Boland 
began  to  ride  Zal,  but  he  was  done  to  a  turn  and  at  the  end 
Pink  Star  was  under  wraps.  Ridden  out,  Zal  finished  a  little 
over  a  length  in  front  of  Ovelando,  and  quite  a  piece  back 
came  the  favorite. 

THIRTY-FOURTH  DERBY  1908 

Louisville,  Ky.,  May  5,  1908. — Weather  cloudy,  track  heavy. 
\%  miles.  Time  2:151/5.  Value  to  winner  $4,850,  second 
$700,  third  $300. 

Stone    Street,    1 17,    Pickens 1 

Sir   Cleges,    117,    Koerner 2 

Dunvegan,    114,    Warren 3 

Synchronized,  F.  Burton;  Banridge,  V.  Powers;  Milford. 
Minder;  Bill  Herron,  J.  Lee,  and  Frank  Bird,  J.  Williams 
also  ran. 

Good  start.  Won  easily  by  three  lengths,  heads  each  next 
four.     Mutuels  $123.60   for  $5. 

Owned  by  C.  E.  Hamilton,  trained  by  J.  Hall. 

Stone  Street,  b  c,  3,  by  Longstreet — Stone  Nellie. 

DESCRIPTION    OF    RACE 

Stone  Street,  a  despised  outsider,  carrying  the  blue  jacket  and 
white  sash  of  C.  E.  Hamilton,  the  popular  Latonia  turfman,  and 
ridden  by  Jockey  Pickens,  walked  away  with  the  thirty-fourth 
Kentucky  Derby  at  Churchill  Downs  on  Tuesday,  with  the  pride 
of  Louisville,  Sir  Cleges,  the  public's  choice,  in  the  place.  The 
$5  mutuels  paid  $123.60,     Three  lengths  in  front  of  the  favorite, 


96  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Stone  Street  crossed  the  wire  a  pretty  tired  horse,  but  the  others 
were  more  so.  Sir  Cleges  got  the  place  by  a  neck  and  Dunvegan 
got  third  place  by  an  eyelash  from  Synchronized,  which  was 
added  at  the  last  moment.  It  was  a  clear-cut  victory  and  an  in- 
stance where  condition  won  over  class.  It  was  also  an  instance 
where  a  colt  that  was  at  home  in  the  going  beat  a  better  horse, 
which  besides  being  a  bit  short,  the  condition  of  the  track  pre- 
cluding the  chance  to  give  him  a  final  good  work,  did  not 
fancy  the  stick  track,  and  labored  all  the  way.  Stone  Street 
by  heritage  comes  of  stout  stock,  his  sire  being  Longstreet,  son 
of  Longfellow,  a  family  noted  for  endurance  rather  than  speed. 

After  the  bugle  called  the  horses  to  the  post  there  was  not 
much  time  wasted  on  instructing  jockeys.  Paddock  Judge  John 
Walsh  called  out:  "Lead  out,  Powers,"  and  the  eight  Derby 
horses  were  on  their  way  to  parade  past  the  judges'  stand  and 
clubhouse  and  then  to  the  post.  There  was  no  time  lost  at  the 
barrier,  where  Judge  Will  Shelley  presided  in  the  absence  of 
Jake  Holtman. 

The  crowd  rose  as  the  horses  swept  past  the  stand;  and  when 
the  field  reached  the  line  the  first  time  Banridge  forged  to  the 
front,  after  crowding  Sir  Cleges  out.  Stone  Street  was  second. 
Dunvegan  third  and  the  favorite  fourth,  with  Frank  Bird  last 
of  all.  Around  the  lower  turn  they  went  in  the  same  order. 
When  straightened  out  on  the  back  stretch,  Banridge  opened  a 
streak  of  daylight  on  Stone  Street,  while  Sir  Cleges  passed  Dun- 
vegan. The  rest  of  the  field  was  not  out  of  the  running  and  it 
was  also  noticeable  that  while  Sir  Cleges  gained  ground  that  it 
was  with  an  effort,  as  the  colt  was  laboring  and  climbing.  At 
the  far  turn,  Banbridge's  lead  was  cut  down  and  Stone  Street 
and  Sir  Cleges,  the  latter  under  urging  moved  up  on  the  leader. 
Round  the  stretch  turn  came  Banridge  and  at  his  heels  were  his 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  97 

relentless  pursuers.     Stone  Street  nailed  him  when  straight  for 
the  wire  and  the  shout  went  up,  "Sir  Gleges  is  beaten." 

Koerner  was  hard  at  work  on  him  and  he  held  his  place  with 
bulldog  courage,  but  the  lack  of  condition  was  telling  on  him 
and  Stone  Street  which  raced  at  New  Orleans  and  was  fit,  drew 
away  with  ease  and  came  under  the  wire  with  his  jockey  sitting 
still.  There  was  a  bitter  struggle  for  the  place  and  Sir  Cleges 
secured  this  through  the  powerful  finish  of  Koerner,  who  never 
let  up  until  the  last  two  strides,  when  he  had  second  position 
safe.  Synchronized  and  Dunvegan  finished  almost  on  a  line  a 
neck  behind  the  favorite  and  the  latter  got  third  place.  Ban- 
ridge  was  fifth  many  lengths  in  front  of  Milford,  which  beat 
Bill  Herron  home  for  the  distinction  of  having  finished  sixth 
by  a  head  and  away  back  came  Frank  Bird. 

THIRTY-FIFTH  DERBY  1909 

Louisville,  Ky.,  May  3,  1909. — Weather  clear,  track  slow. 
\l/\  miles.  Time  2:08  1/5.  Value  to  winner  $4,850,  second 
$700,  third  $300. 

Wintergreen,  117,  V.  Powers    1 

Miami,  117,  C  Shilling  2 

Dr.  Barkley,  117,   3 

Sir  Catesby,  Friend  Harry,  Direct,  Michael  Angelo,  War- 
field,  Campeon  and  Match  Me  also  ran.  Betting  $5  mutuels 
paid  $14.80  straight.  Start  good,  won  easily,  second  and  third 
driving. 

Wintergreen,  b  c,  3,  by  Dick  Welles — Winter.  Owned  by 
J.  B.  Respess,  trained  by  C.  Mack. 

DESCRIPTION   OF   THE   RACE 

Wintergreen,  an  Ohio-bred  colt,  carrying  the  colors  of  Rome 
Respess,  ridden  by  V.  Powers,  galloped  away  from  his  oppon- 
ents  to-day  in   the   race    for   the   thirty-fifth    Kentucky   Derby. 


98  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Four  lengths  behind  him  came  Miami,  which  carried  all  the 
hopes  and  money  of  Central  Kentucky,  and  he  was  three  lengths 
in  front  of  Dr.  Barkley,  a  despised  outsider,  which  beat  Sir 
Catesby  a  head  and  gave  the  latter  the  place  of  honorable  men- 
tion. Wintergreen  hardly  left  the  outcome  of  the  race  in  doubt 
after  the  barrier  rose.  His  backers  had  a  moment  of  anxiety 
when  he  was  bumped  by  Miami  right  after  the  start  and  once 
in  the  final  furlong,  when  Powers  laid  the  lash  on  the  big  bay 
colt.  The  rest  of  the  race  was  play  for  the  son  of  Dick  Welles 
and  Winter.  Miami  ran  a  good  game  race,  Direct  and  Warfield 
failed  to  show  anything  much  and  Campeon  and  Match  Me  were 
outclassed.  Sir  Catesby  ran  the  best  race  behind  the  winner 
and  would  have  been  second  but  for  bad  racing  luck.  The  going 
made  Friend  Harry  stop. 

For  a  horse  that  was  born  and  bred  in  the  Buckeye  State  to 
win  the  Kentucky  Derby  is  a  new  feature  in  the  history  of  this 
classic  event.  California,  Eastern  horses,  and  in  the  majority 
of  cases,  Kentucky  and  Tennessee  have  furnished  all  the  Derby 
winners. 

Slowly  and  with  Wintergreen  in  the  lead,  they  filed  past  the 
stand  and  clubhouse  and,  turning,  galloped  to  the  starting  point, 
where  Jake  Holtman  was  ready  to  send  them  away.  The  field 
got  away  quickly  to  a  good  start.  Wintergreen  and  Miami  came 
together  as  the  barrier  went  up,  but  the  son  of  Dick  Welles  was 
not  to  be  denied  and  he  at  once  went  to  the  front  and  there  he 
stayed.  Coming  past  the  stand,  he  had  a  clear  lead,  with  Miami 
next  and  Dr.  Barkley  and  Friend  Harry  close  up.  Sir  Catesby 
was  on  the  inside  and  was  apparently  trying  to  run  over  horses. 
Going  up  the  back  stretch  Powers  took  a  nice  hold  on  Winter- 
green and  the  great  colt  just  skimmed  along  pricking  his  ears. 
Friend  Harry  made  a  determined  effort  passing  the  half-mile 
post,  but  it  was  just  a  flash  in  the  pan,   for  scarcely  had  the 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  99 


cry  "Friend  Harry  is  catching  him"  rung  out  before  the  crowd 
was  yelling  Friend  Harry  is  beaten,  as  the  Alvey  colt's  stride 
shortened.  Miami,  which  had  clung  tenaciously  to  second 
place,  also  under  restraint,  was  now  sent  after  the  flying  pace- 
maker with  a  will.  But  Shilling  could  not  rally  his  mount  and 
the  farther  the  field  went  the  easier  was  Wintergreen's  task. 
Nearing  the  eighth  pole  Powers  got  a  little  uneasy  and  gave 
Wintergreen  one  good  crack  with  the  whip  and  he  bounded  away 
like  the  others  were  standing  still.  Miami  was  just  as  easily  second 
and  Dr.  Barkley  just  managed  to  beat  out  Sir  Catesby,  the 
latter  coming  through  the  worst  going.  The  rest  were  pretty 
well  scattered. 

THIRTY-SIXTH  DERBY  1910 

Louisville,  Ky.,  May  10,  1910.— Weather  clear,  Track  fast. 
\Ya  miles.  Time  2:062/5.  Value  to  winner  $4,850,  second  $700, 
third  $300. 

Donau,   117,  Herbert \-]/2  length 

Joe  Morris,  117,   2-h 

Fighting  Bob,  117,   3-n 

Boola  Boola,  117,   4 

Topland,    114 5 

John  Furlong,  107,   6 

Gallant   Pirate,    117,    7 

$5  mutuels  paid  $13.25.  At  post  one  minute.  Start  good, 
won  driving  second  and  third  same. 

Donau,  b  c,  3,  by  Woolsthorpe — Al  Lone.  Owned  by  Wm. 
Gerst,  Nashville,  Tenn.,  trained  by  G.  Ham. 

DESCRIPTION    OF    RACE 

An  enormous  crowd  gathered  from  all  points  of  the  compass 
saw  and  cheered  the  victory  of  the  bay  colt  Donau  in  the  thirty- 
sixth  running  of  the  Kentucy  Derby,  now  truly  the  "Blue  Riband" 


100  HISTORY    OF    THE 

of  the  American  turf,  at  Churchill  Downs  this  afternoon.  It 
was  .the  largest  crowd  that  ever  graced  this  historic  battle 
ground  of  the  thoroughbreds  and  that  crowd  saw  the  keenest 
contest  and  the  most  thrilling  finish  that  ever  attended  the  win- 
ning of  the  prize,  which  has  been  annually  coveted  by  owners  of 
three-year  olds  in  all  the  land  since  Price  McGrath  first  took  it 
with  game  Aristides  in  1875. 

The  winner  is  owned  in  Tennessee,  but  he  was  bred  in  the 
Blue  Grass  of  old  Kentucky,  as  were  also  each  of  the  half  dozen 
that  went  to  the  post  with  the  son  of  Woolsthorpe  and  Al  Lone 
and  came  back  behind  him. 

Derby  Day  dawned  clear  and  warm.  There  was  not  a  fleck 
in  the  sky  when  the  sun  peeped  over  the  Eastern  horizon.  The 
track  had  dried  out  rapidly  after  the  .evere  rain  of  Satmday 
and  was  fast. 

When  the  bugle  called  the  horses  to  the  post,  Donau,  ac- 
companied to  the  paddock  gate  by  his  piebald  pony  companion 
was  the  first  to  step  on  the  track.  He  was  No.  1  on  the  program. 
After  the  post  parade,  the  horses  cantered  to  the  starting  point 
one  quarter  of  a  mile  up  the  stretch.  Starter  Milton  was  ready 
for  them,  and  after  they  had  lined  up  about  twenty  yards 
behind  the  barrier,  gave  orders  to  walk  up.  They  came  in 
good  alignment  and  sprung  the  barrier  at  the  first  attempt. 
They  were  off  to  -i  good  start  four  minutes  after  they  "eft 
the  paddock. 

joe  Morris  was  first  to  show  and  Donau  next,  then  Boola 
Boola  and  Gallant  Pirate,  Fighting  Bob  fifth,  John  Furlong 
sixth  and  Topland  last. 

Herbert  had  Donau  well  in  his  stride  and  he  lost  no  time 
sending  him  to  the  front  and  when  they  passed  the  stand  at  the 
end  of  the  first  quarter  of  a  mile  in    :24,  he  was  leading  Joe 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  101 

Morris  by  half  a  length  and  was  at  the  rail  with  Topland  third 
a  head  back  and  the  others  close  up.  Around  the  clubhouse 
turn,  Joe  Morris  swerved  outward  and  carried  the  others  with 
him,  giving  Donau  a  lead  of  about  three  lengths  as  they  straight- 
ened out  for  the  run  down  the  backstretch,  having  passed  the 
half  in  :484/5.  Joe  Morris  was  here  two  lengths  in  front  of 
John  Furlong  and  Topland,  they  on  nearly  even  terms,  with 
Fighting  Bob  two  lengths  back  of  them,  a  length  in  front  of 
Boola  Boola  and  Gallant  Pirate  a  neck  apart. 

Herbert  took  a  restraining  hold  on  Donau,  passing  the  three- 
quarter  ground  in  1:14  and  steadied  him  around  the  turn  out  of 
the  backstretch  still  three  lengths  in  front  of  Joe  Morris.  Here 
Stanley  Page  made  his  move  on  Fighting  Bob.  The  son  of 
Knight  of  Ellerslie  was  in  third  position  in  a  jiffy  and  less 
than  two  lengths  back  of  Joe  Morris.  Coming  around  the  turn 
into  the  homestretch,  Boola  Boola  made  up  ground  rapidly  and 
the  pace  seemed  to  quicken.  At  the  end  of  the  mile  in  1 :39  4/5, 
and  heading  for  home,  Donau  led  by  half  a  length,  with  Joe 
Morris  a  head  in  front  of  Fighting  Bob,  and  he  four  lengths 
better  than  Boola  Boola,  the  others  clearly  out  of  contention. 
There  it  looked  as  any  one  of  the  first  four  might  win,  for 
Boola  Boola  was  carrying  the  Camden  colors  with  the  speed 
of  the  wind  and  loomed  up  big  and  strong.  Down  the  stretch 
they  came,  whips  whirling  and  resounding  even  above  the  roar 
from  the  stand  and  the  field,  and  those  jockeys  rode  desperately 
for  the  prize  that  hung  at  the  end  of  the  tiring,  heartbreaking 
journey  now  less  than  a  sixteenth  cf  a  mile  away.  On  and  on 
they  came  near  to  the  black  mark  of  the  white  board  that  should 
proclaim  the  finish;  flying,  yet  struggling  gamely  and  deter- 
minedly under  the  punishment  of  the  bending  striving  riders  to 
be  first  to  that  goal  where  hung  fame,  glory  and  gold. 


102  HISTORYOFTHE 

Donau  though  tiring  fast,  was  still  able  to  hold  the  lead. 
Unshaken,  his  nose  shot  first  past  the  finishing  mark,  with  Joe 
Morris  at  his  withers,  Fighting  Bob  at  Joe  Morris'  throat-latch, 
and  Boola  Boola  beaten  only  a  nose  for  third  money.  Topland 
was  fifth  five  lengths  back,  and  two  lengths  in  front  of  John 
Furlong,  eight  lengths  better  than  Gallant  Pirate  a  trailing  last. 

It  was  a  great  finish  and  any  human  being  with  a  drop  of 
sporting  blood  in  his  viens  was  to  be  excused  for  giving  over 
for  the  moment  to  the  feelings  of  ecstasy  that  well  up  from  the 
soul  of  man  at  such  a  contest.  It  was  beyond  question  the  most 
thrilling  finish  ever  seen  in  a  race  for  the  Kentucky  Derby. 

THIRTY-SEVENTH  DERBY   1911 

Louisville,  Ky.,  May  13,  1911. — Weather  clear,  track  fast. 
1%  miles.  Time  2:05  (equals  track  record).  Value  to  winner 
$4,850,  second  $700,  third  $300. 

Meridian,    117,    G.    Archibald 1-%  length 

Governor   Gray,    119,   Troxler 2-15 

Colston,   110,   Conley. 3-2 

Jack  Denman,   117,  Wilson 4 

Mud   Sill,  107,  Koerner 5 

Round  the  World,   117   McGee 6 

Col.   Hogan,    1 1 0,    Mclntyre 7 

$2  mutuels  paid  $7.80  straight.  At  post  2  minutes.  Start 
good,  won  driving,  second  and  third  same. 

Meridian,  b  c,  3,  by  Broomstick — Sue  Smith.  Owned  by  R. 
F.   Carman,  trained  by  A.  Ewing. 

DESCRIPTION    OF    RACE 

Meridian,  Kentucky-bred,  but  Eastern-owned,  triumphantly 
carried  the  colors  of  R.  F.  Carman  to  the  front  in  the  thirty- 
seventh  Kentucky  Derby  in  record  time  and  before  a  record 
crowd  at  Churchill   Downs  to-day.     The  Derby  was  run  from 


KENTUCKY    DERBY 103 

"eend  to  eend"  as  Frank  Harper  of  Ten  Broeck  and  Longfellow 
fame,  used  to  say,  for  the  winner  set  a  heart-breaking  pace 
and  had  the  stamina  to  last  the  route  and  get  home  a  scant 
length  in  front  of  Governor  Gray.  The  latter  was  about  15 
lengths  in  front  of  Colston,  the  dark  horse  for  the  Derby.  The 
time  2:05,  a  new  mark  for  the  Derby.  The  best  time  ever  re- 
corded for  the  sixteen  blue  ribbon  events  which  have  been  run 
at  this  distance  was  made  by  Lieut.  Gibson  in  1900,  when  2:06% 
was  made.  It  also  equaled  the  track  record  made  last  year  by 
Royal  Report.  The  race  was  not  a  gallop  for  Meridian  for  he 
was  a  tired  horse  at  the  finish  and  was  exceedingly  well  handled 
at  the  end  by  Jockey  G.  Archibald.  Governor  Gray  had  some 
bad  luck.  He  was  next  to  the  fence  going  round  the  first  turn, 
and  Troxler  was  forced  to  take  him  back,  and  he  was  lengths 
behind  the  pacemaker  going  into  the  back  stretch.  The  others 
were  not  in  the  same  class  with  the  two  placed  horses  and  only 
figured  in  the  race  for  the  first  mile.  Probably  Colston  will  do 
better  in  the  next  effort  and  the  same  could  be  said  of  Mud 
Sill  and  Jack  Denman. 

It  was  4:55  when  the  first  of  the  Derby  contingent  filed 
through  the  gate  to  lead  the  parade  of  the  field  past  the  sands. 
The  huge  crowd  applauded  vigorously  as  the  horses  filed  past 
the  clubhouse,  where  they  turned  and  slowly  came  back  again  on 
the  outside.  It  was  easy  to  tell  which  was  the  favorite  as  Gov- 
ernor Gray  got  a  great  reception.  After  passing  the  betting  shed 
the  field  cantered  to  the  post  with  Mars  Cassidy  galloping  up  to 
the  same  point  on  a  fiery  steed  and  on  the  steeplechase  track, 
while  the  crowd  in  the  field  kidded  him  a  bit.  There  was  but 
a  moment's  delay  at  the  barrier.  The  field  would  have  gotten 
away  at  the  first  line-up,  but  for  Round  the  World  which  acted 
sour  and  Jack  Denman.     They  were  quickly  lined  up  again  and 


104  HISTORYOFTHE 

in  a  jiffy  Cassidy  yelled  "Come  on!"  and  the  horses  were  on 
their  way.  The  start  was  a  good  one  for  all  but  Col.  Hogan, 
which  was  last  to  break,  and  when  he  did  go  went  very  wide  and 
that  settled  his  chances  once   for  all. 

Meridian  went  to  the  front  at  once  and  ere  the  field  had 
reached  the  judges'  stand  he  was  three  lengths  in  front  and  set- 
ting a  pace  that  had  the  others  on  their  toes.  Round  the  World 
was  second  a  couple  of  lengths  in  front  of  Colston,  which  was 
some  lengths  in  front  of  Mud  Sill,  with  Jack  Denman  and 
Governor  Gray  close  up.     Col.  Hogan  trailed  the  field. 

At  the  first  turn,  Governor  Gray,  which  was  next  to  the 
rail  was  shut  off  and  Troxler  was  forced  to  take  him  back,  and 
for  a  few  moments  it  looked  as  if  he  were  going  to  be  displaced 
by  Col.  Hogan.  The  field  went  up  the  back  stretch  in  Indian 
file,  Meridian  under  gentle  restraint  but  still  burning  up  the 
track,  Round  the  World  hanging  on  gamely  and  Colston  still  hold- 
ing third  position.  As  the  field  swept  up  the  backstretch  and 
neared  the  half  mile  pole,  Governor  Gray  which  was  eating  up 
ground,  loomed  up  and  was  soon  in  a  position  to  overhaul  the 
leaders.  Troxler  had  him  full  on  his  stride  and  rounding  the 
turn,  passed  Colston  and  soon  passed  Round  the  World,  and 
there  was  but  one  horse  to  catch  and  victory  was  his.  But 
that  was  a  hard  task  as  Meridian  was  still  moving  along  in  great 
style  turning  the  mile  in  phenomenal  time  for  a  race  of  that 
distance.  The  whole  field  was  under  whip  and  spur  when 
straightened  for  borne,  except  the  Carman  colt.  As  the  eighth 
pole  was  neared  he  began  to  shorten  his  stride  and  the  cry  went 
up  "Governor  Gray's  got  him."  But  this  was  premature  and 
wrong,  for  Archibald  holding  the  colt  together,  urged  him  on, 
handriding  and  he  maintained  his  advantage  of  over  a  length 
until  the  sixteeth  pole,  where  he  swerved  over  in  front  of  Gov- 
ernor Gray,   on  which  Troxler  was   making  a   final  effort,  but 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  105 

it  was  not  for  the  Governor.  The  ground  he  lost  on  the  first 
turn  and  the  effort  to  make  it  up  told  on  him  and  right  at  the 
finish  his  nose  was  opposite  Meridian's  tail.  Many  lengths  back 
came  Colston,  which  was  a  couple  of  lengths  in  front  of  Mud 
Sill  and  Jack  Denman,  whiah  finished  close  together  in  the  order 
named,  then  Round  the  World  pulled  to  a  walk  and  Col.  Hogan, 
which  had  been  eased  up  some  time. 

THIRTY-EIGHTH  DERBY  1912 

Worth,  the  favorite,  won  the  Kentucky  Derby  at  Churchill 
Downs  this  afternoon,  just  beating  a  heavy  rainstorm,  and  by  so 
doing  saving  the  day  for  the  moving-picture  operators.  The  Ken- 
tucky Derby  of  1912,  the  thirty-eighth  renewal  of  the  classic 
stake  event,  went  to  the  horse  which  nine  out  of  every  ten  horse- 
men and  turf  patrons  conceded  to  have  the  race  at  his  mercy.  He 
did  not  win  as  easily  as  many  expected,  but  he  won,  just  lasting 
long  enough  to  get  the  money  and  the  honor  from  a  dark  horse. 
Duval,  which  would  have  paid  20  to  1  had  he  popped  in  front, 
was  second,  and  Flamma,  the  only  filly  in  the  contest,  was  third. 
The  time,  2:092/5,  is  about  four  seconds  slower  than  that  made 
by  Meridian,  the  winner  last  year.  Worth  won  by  a  neck,  while 
Duval  was  five  lengths  in   front  of  the  filly,  Flamma. 

Worth  established  his  claim  to  the  three-year  old  champion- 
ship for  the  1912  season,  although  he  will  have  to  win  many 
more  races  this  year  to  hold  that  title.  At  the  present  time  he 
is  the  best  of  all  three-year  olds.  To-day,  just  as  last  season, 
there  were  many  doubting  Thomases  regarding  his  ability  and 
class.  It  took  the  celebrated  match  race  at  Latonia  last  fall 
to  convince  these  persons  that  he  was  the  best  two-year  old  out 


106  HISTORY    OF    THE 

in  1911,  and  this  spring  the  Kentucky  Derby  race  is  the  one 
which  sweeps  aside  all  chances  for  an  argument. 

The  colt  was  dead  tired  when  the  race  was  finished,  and  had 
to  be  urged  hard  in  the  last  furlong.  He  was  "prepped"  for 
this  race,  and  lasted  long  enough  to  win  it,  which  ends  all 
arguments  what  might  have  happened  had  the  race  been  20  or 
30  yards  more.  Shilling,  who  rode  him,  announced  before  the 
race  that  he  did  not  intend  to  have  mud  slung  in  his  eyes,  and 
he  kept  his  word.  The  beaten  ones  in  the  contest  had  no 
excuse;  they  were  beaten  fairly  and  squarely,  luck  never  enter- 
ing into  the  result  in  the  least. 

There  were  no  unusual  incidents  connected  with  the  pre- 
liminaries to  the  big  race.  The  crowd  during  the  interval 
between  the  ending  of  the  third  and  the  time  to  go  to  the  post 
in  the  big  event,  wended  its  way  to  the  paddock  and  stood  several 
deep  around  the  railing,  each  and  every  one  anxious  to  get  a 
good  look  at  the  contenders.  Promptly  at  4 :30  they  left  the 
paddock  and  paraded  down  past  the  judges'  stand.  Flamma, 
the  only  filly  in  the  race,  leading  the  procession,  but  she  was  a 
little  shy  and  on  several  occasions  refused  to  come  down  in 
front.  Wheelwright,  with  Byrne  up,  followed  with  free  Lance, 
sporting  the  colors  of  George  J.  Long,  the  Louisville  turfman, 
leading  Guaranola,  which  was  directly  in  front  of  the  favorite, 
Worth.  Sonada  and  Duval  brought  up  in  the  rear  in  the  order 
named.  The  clouds  were  hanging  quite  low  and  it  was  doubtful 
if  the  race  would  be  finished  before  the  rain  fell. 

The  horses  pranced  down  the  stretch  to  the  quarter  pole, 
where  Starter  Cassidy  told  riders  just  what  was  expected  of 
them.  Several  times  they  could  have  been  let  go,  but  Flamma 
was  still  in  an  ugly  mood  and  she  broke  up  many  perfect 
starts.    After  about  two  minutes  of  work  at  the  post  the  simul- 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  107 

taneous  cry  from  18,000  throats  proclaimed  the  fact  that  the 
big  race  was  on. 

Shilling  pushed  Worth  into  the  lead,  and  the  big  brown  son 
of  Knight  of  the  Thistle  went  about  his  work  in  a  determined 
manner.  He  needed  no  urging  to  keep  him  in  front  and  ran 
straight  and  true  under  the  clever  guidance  of  his  rider.  Free 
Lance  cut  across  at  the  start  and  took  the  second  position,  laying 
back  of  Worth  about  a  length,  although  Wheelwright  breaking 
first,  did  not  get  to  going  right  away.  Sonada  broke  well,  with  Duval 
only  a  short  distance  back.  Guaranola  was  a  couple  of  lengths  behind 
soon  after  they  got  to  going,  with  Flamma  bringing  up  in  the  rear, 
the  filly  having  been  caught  unawares.  Shilling  took  no  chances 
with  the  Hallenbeck  colt,  but  held  him  right  to  his  knitting, 
coming  down  the  stretch  for  the  first  time. 

Passing  the  wire,  Worth  was  easily  a  length  and  a  half  to 
the  good  of  Free  Lance,  which  was  laying  back  in  a  contending 
position  at  all  times.  A  length  back  of  Free  Lance,  hugging  the 
rail,  came  Sonada,  which  was  only  a  head  in  front  of  Duval. 
Wheelwright  followed  Duval,  being  three  lengths  back  of  him. 
Guaranola  was  two  lengths  in  front  of  Flamma,  which  gives  an 
idea  of  the  poor  start  gotten  by  the  filly.  Around  the  turn  going 
into  the  backstretch,  Worth  was  still  leading  by  his  length  and 
a  half  advantage.  Free  Lance  was  still  holding  on,  although 
half  a  length  separated  the  Alvescot  colt  from  Guaranola,  which 
had  slipped  up  on  the  rail.  Duval  was  laying  back  in  fourth 
place  on  the  outside,  being  half  a  length  in  front  of  Flamma, 
which  had  passed  Sonada  and  Wheelwright.  Sonada  had  drop- 
ped  into  last  place  and  Wheelwright  was  not  much  better,  both 
of  them  running  neck  and  neck  for  the  booby  prize.  It  was 
plain  to  all  that  they  were  outclassed  and  the  crowd  passed  them 
up  and  centered  all  their  attention  on  the  leaders.    Away  over 


108  HISTORY    OF    THE 


on  the  far  turn,  those  without  glasses  could  still  distinguish  that 
Worth  was  in  the  lead,  although  it  was  growing  dark  fast. 
They  also  noticed  that  Duval  had  slipped  upon  the  inside  and 
was  now  only  a  length  behind  the  Hallenbeck  champion.  Flam- 
ma,  on  the  outside,  had  also  passed  Free  Lance,  and  it  was 
quite  patent  here  that  the  Long  colt  could  not  go  the  route,  for 
Guaranola  had  also  passed  him.  Sonada  and  Wheelwright  were 
trailing  nearly  ten  lengths  back.  Worth  still  held  his  advantage 
turning  into  the  stretch,  but  Shilling. was  becoming  nervous,  for 
he  felt  the  colt  was  tiring. 

It  was  now  a  question  with  him  as  to  whether  he  could 
stick  out  the  last  furlong.  Drawing  his  whip  he  gave  him  a 
couple  of  blows  and  the  big  fellow  hung  on.  Duval  was  only 
a  length  back  and  in  this  way  they  raced  to  the  sixteenth  pole, 
with  Flamma  in  third  place.  Duval  was  gradually  gaining  on 
Worth  and  Fain  started  to  ride  hard.  Shilling  again  pulled  his 
whip  at  the  sixteenth  pole  and  applied  it  vigorously.  It  was 
well  he  did,  for  the  colt  was  dead  tired,  but  still  game.  Fain 
had  no  whip,  but  proceeded  to  give  Duval  a  hand  ride.  Shilling 
held  Worth's  head  straight  during  the  last  gruelling  sixteenth 
and  the  colt  dashed  before  the  grand  stand  a  nack  ahead  of 
Duval.  Fain  rode  his  mount  out,  but  he  could  not  get  up  in 
time.  Five  lengths  back  of  Duval  came  Flamma,  after  running 
a  good,  game  race.  Four  lengths  behind  Flamma  was  the  dead 
tired  Free  Lance,  a  length  ahead  of  Guaranola.  Sonada  finished 
away  back  and  Wheelwright  was  pulled  up. 

Worth  had  won  and  the  crowd  was  satisfied  that  the  best 
horse  was  the  victor.  As  was  said  before,  there  is  no  use  con- 
sidering "if  the  race  had  been  a  few  yards  longer"  the  result 
might  have  been  different. 

The  jockeys  hurried  back  to  the  grand  stand,  the  usual  wreath 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  109 

was   placed    about    the   neck    of    Worth,    Shilling    was   given   a 
bouquet  of  roses  and  then  came  the  deluge. 

SUMMARY 

May  11,  1912.  Track  muddy.  Purse  $6,000.  Net  value  to 
the  winner  $4,850.  V/4  miles.  Time,  :24  3/5,  :49  2/5,  1:161/5, 
1:42  3/5,  2:092/5. 

Worth,  br  c,  by  Knight  of  the  Thistle— Miss  Hanover,  117 
lbs.,  ridden  by  C.  H.  Shilling.  Won  by  a  neck;  4  to  5.  Duval, 
2nd,  Fain.  Flamma,  112  lbs.  Loftus,  Third.  Also  ran  Free 
Lance,  Peak;  Guaranola,  Molesworth;  Sonada,  Koerner ;  Wheel- 
wright, Byrne.    Owner  H.  C.  Hallenbeck.    Trainer  F.  M.  Taylor. 

THIRTY-NINTH   DERBY   1913 

Seldom  in  the  history  of  Churchill  Downs  has  there  been  a 
prettier  start  in  the  Derby  than  that  of  to-day.  At  the  post 
less  than  a  minute,  the  horses  wheeled  in  perfect  alignment  and 
were  away  like  a  shot.  Jimmie  Gill  had  a  momentary  advantage, 
but  was  headed  by  Ten  Point  in  a  flash  and  the  big  Easterner 
passed  the  stand  for  the  first  time  two  lengths  to  the  good. 
Foundation  was  in  second  place,  with  Yankee  Notions  third, 
and  Leochares  the  Gowell  close  up,  and  Jimmie  Gill  by  this 
time  a  trailer. 

Ten  Point  was  rank  and  Buxton  had  difficulty  restraining 
him  in  the  next  quarter,  causing  him  to  go  the  first  half  in 
0 :47  4/5  and  adding  another  length's  advantage  over  the  others. 
Foundation  was  still  in  second  place,  and  Yankee  Notions,  run- 
ning well  within  himself,  half  a  length  away,  with  Gowell  fourth 
next  the  inner  rail.  Donerail,  on  which  Goose  was  riding  a 
perfect  race,  was  beginning  to  steel  up  in  steady  fashion. 
Gowell  was  given  bungling  handling  by  the  diminutive  McCabe 
and  was  also  suffering  from  bumping.    Leochares  was  thoroughly 


110  HISTORY    OF    THE 

done  for  after  the  first  half,  and  Lord  Marshall  and  Jimmie 
Gill  were  also  out  of  it  to  all  intents  and  dropped  rearward 
steadily.  There  was  a  general  closing  up  by  the  first  five  in  the 
next  quarter,  but  Ten  Point  still  held  to  a  slight  lead  until  the 
stretch  turn  was  reached,  where  Buxon  found  his  mount  waver- 
ing and  he  began  using  his  whip.  At  this  time  Yankee  Notions 
was  passing  Foundation,  and  the  supporters  of  the  Knapp  repre- 
sentative gave  a  shout  of  joy,  for  it  was  expected  by  them  if 
Yankee  Notions  got  to  Ten  Point  before  the  stretch  turn  he 
would  make  short  shift  of  the  favorite  in  the  battle  to  the  finish. 

Unexpectedly,  Yankee  Notions  weakened  just  when  his 
chances  appeared  best  and  the  Ten  Point  supporters  again  took 
heart,  but  their  hopes  went  glimmering  shortly  after  when 
Donerail  shot  out  of  the  bunch  and  headed  the  others  in  the  last 
furlong.  In  the  final  drive  Donerail  easily  held  his  own.  Ten 
Point  and  Foundation  were  struggling  gamely  for  the  place  at 
the  last  furlong  post  when  the  colt  seemed  to  bore  over  a  trifle. 
In  the  last  sixteenth  Foundation  began  weakening  and  Ten  Point 
managed  to  get  clear  of  him,  but  another  menace  loomed  uo 
for  place  honors  in  the  shape  of  Gowell,  though  he  succeeded 
in  passing  the  finishing  line  in  advance  of  her.  Foundation  was 
fourth  and  Yankee  Notions  fifth,  the  rest  were  distant  trailers, 
with  Leochares  the  whipper  in. 

A  warm  reception  awaited  the  winner  when  the  boy  returned 
to  the  judges'  stand  to  weigh  in.  Jockey  R.  Goose  was  probably 
happier  than  Owner  T.  P.  Hayes. 

It  devolved  on  Governor  James  B.  McCreary  to  present 
Jockey  Goose  with  the  bouquet  of  flowers  given  by  the  New 
Louisville  Jockey  Club  to  the  winning  jockey  of  the  day. 
He  said : 

"Young  man,  I  congratulate  you.     The  highest  compliment 
that  any  person  can  receive  in  life  is  that  of  success.    You  have 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  111 

met  with  great  success  to-day  and  are  deserving  of  the  honor 
now  bestowed  upon  you.  You  were  on  a  gallant  horse  and  you 
rode  a  brilliant  race." 

Jockey  Goose,  in  reply,  bashfully  said : 

''Governor,  I  more  than  appreciate  your  compliment.  I  re- 
gard it  as  the  greatest  afternoon  in  my  whole  life  for  the  reason 
that  I  was  born  and  reared  in  Louisville  and  I  have  won  Louis- 
ville's greatest  race.  I  will  never  forget  this  day  as  long  as  I 
live.  I  will  say  for  my  mount  that  he  did  all  I  asked  of  him 
throughout  the  race.  He  held  his  position  well  in  the  early  part 
and  finished  staunch  and  game  when  I  called  on  him  in  the 
stretch.  While  I  rode  him  to  the  best  of  my  ability,  I  was 
on  a  good  horse  to-day." 

FOLLOWING   IS    A    SUMMARY    OF    THE   RACE 

Kentucky  Derby ;  one  mile  and  a  quarter ;  for  three-year  olds ; 
$5,000  added;  net  value  to  winner  $5,475.  Fractional  Time — 
0:234/5,  0:474/5,  1:123/5,   1:393/5,  2:044/5,  new  record. 

p.p.st  %     y2      y4     s.    f. 

T.  P.  Hayes'  Donerail,  117.  Goose  536161^51       52     V/2 
A.    L.    Aste's    Ten    Point,     117 

Buxton  4  4  12  13      12      1^2  1^ 
J.  T.  Weaver's   Gowell,   112.... 

McCabe  32524h      4  l/2  4  1    3  h 
C.    W.    McKenna's    Foundation, 

117..Loftus  8  5  2  1  iy2      2h      3y2    4nk 
H.  K.  Knapp's  Yankee  Notions, 

117.. Glass  6  7  3y2  3  h      3  V/2  2*/2    5  5 
J.  O.  &  G.  H.  Keene's  Lord  Mar- 
shall, 117.. Steele  187171      62      6168 
Doerhoefer     &     West's     Jimmie 

Gill,    110..Borel  2  18      8  8         7  10  7  15 

J.    W.    Schorr's    Leochares,    114 

Peak  764  h  5^      7h      8        8 


112  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Donerail,  the  winner  of  the  thirty-ninth  Kentucky  Derby, 
was  raised  on  John  S.  Barbee's  Glen-Helen  Farm,  near  Lexing- 
ton. Mr.  Barbee  keeps  all  of  Mr.  Hayes'  mares.  Ten  Point,  the 
second  horse,  was  also  raised  on  Mr.  Barbee's  farm.  Donerail 
gets  his  name  from  Donerail,  a  flag  station  near  Lexington  on 
the  Q.  &  C.  Railway. 

Donerail  was  sired  by  imp.  McGee,  a  stallion  owned  by 
Charles  W.  Moore,  Mere  Hill  Stud,  near  Lexington.  McGee 
was  imported  from  England  by  E.  Corrigan  and  raced  in  this 
country  by  that  turfman  with  much  success. 

Algie  M.,  the  dam  of  Donerail,  is  by  Hanover  out  of  John- 
etta,  by  Bramble.  Her  sire  lines  are  those  of  Kentucky  Derby 
winners,  Hanover,  her  sire,  having  gotten  Halma,  winner  of  the 
event  in  1895,  which  in  turn,  sired  Alan-a-Dale  the  victor  in 
the  race  in  1902,  whereas  Bramble,  sire  of  her  grandam,  got 
Ben  Brush,  the  Kentucky  Derby  winner  of   1896. 

Donerail  is  a  nicely  made  colt  of  more  than  average  height, 
being  close  to  16  hands  high.  He  has  never  been  credited  with 
speed  of  the  sprinting  order,  but  what  he  can  do  is  of  the  rating 
sort,  which  tells  for  a  lot  in  his  favor  in  a  long  race.  He  started 
eighteen  times  last  season,  winning  four  times,  finishing  second 
four,  and  third  six  times.  This  season  he  ran  three  times  previ- 
ous to  the  Derby  to-day,  his  best  race  being  in  the  Blue  Grass 
Stakes,  at  Lexington,  in  which  he  ran  second  to  Foundation,  at 
a  mile  and  an  eighth,  run  in  1 :51  2/5. 

The  Kentucky  Derby  of  to-day  was  the  richest  race  in  the 
history  of  that  classic,  being  worth  $6,600  gross.  Of  this,  the 
second  horse,  Ten  Point,  won  $700,  and  the  third  horse,  Gowell, 
$300.  With  the  $125  deducted,  the  winner's  entrance  and  starting 
fee,  the  net  value  to  Donerail  is  $5,475. 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  113 


FORTIETH  DERBY  1914 

Derby  followers  awoke  this  morning  to  find  that,  with  a 
cloudless  sky  smiling  above,  the  elements  had  looked  upon  the 
day  with  favor,  it  being  an  ideal  day  for  racing.  A  warm  sun 
dissipated  the  moisture  of  two  preceding  days  and  also  assisted 
extensively  in  putting  the  course  in  good  shape. 

It  was  just  a  few  minutes  after  5  o'clock  when  the  Derby 
entrants,  after  having  been  cantered  past  the  grandstand  and 
clubhouse  veranda,  approached  the  starting  point  a  quarter  of 
a  mile  above  the  judges'  stand.  Old  Ben,  which  had  the  inside 
position  at  the  start,  was  the  first  to  slip  under  the  barrier  and 
wheel  about  facing  it.  Then  came  Watermelon,  John  Gund, 
Bronzewing,  Surprising,  Old  Rosebud  and  Hodge  in  the  order 
named. 

At  the  post  less  than  two  minutes  the  seven  entrants  in  the 
Derby  were  off  like  a  shot.  For  the  fraction  of  a  second  they 
ran  in  perfect  alignment,  the  start  having  been  an  ideal  one. 
Then  Old  Rosebud  began  moving  into  the  lead.  Hodge,  a  bit 
slower  than  his  rival,  was  quickest  of  the  others,  however,  and 
closed  in  immediately  behind  the  leader.  Bronzewing  Avas  last 
of  the  seven  to  get  going,  and  at  the  end  of  the  first  quarter  was 
last  by  five  lengths. 

As  the  eyes  of  those  stationed  at  the  starting  point  followed 
the  racers  in  their  swift  circling  of  the  track  they  saw  Old 
Rosebud  gradually  increasing  the  lead  assumed  by  him  during  the 
first  quarter  of  the  journey. 

Rounding  the  turn  into  the  stretch  Old  Rosebud  was  in  the 
lead  t>y  two  lengths,  Hodge  was  second  by  four  lengths  and 
John  Gund  was  third  by  half  a  length.     Surprising  was  a  head 


114  HISTORY    OF    THE 

in  advance  of  Old  Ben,  and  the  latter  was  a  length  and  a  half 
in  advance  of  Bronzewing,  which  was  running  like  a  wild  horse. 
As  the  band  of  racers  passed  into  the  stretch,  McCabe  called  on 
Old  Rosebud  for  an  extra  effort,  and  he  responded  in  a  manner 
that  opened  the  oldest  turfman's  eyes  in  wonder  and  amazement, 
for  he  sprinted  away  from  his  opposition  as  if  they  were  standing 
still  to  win  easily  by  eight  lengths  in  the  remarkable  time  of 
2:03  2/5,  a  record  for  the  distance  here,  and  making  the  per- 
formance stand  out  the  more  in  view  of  the  fact  that  the  track 
was  far  from  being  in  its  best  shape.  Hodge  finished  second 
by  a  length  and  a  half.  Bronzewing  closed  up  the  space 
separating  her  from  John  Gund,  Surprising  and  Old  Ben,  pass- 
ing the  three  and  dropping  into  third  position  four  lengths 
behind  Hodge. 

The  ride  which  Old  Rosebud  received  was  second  only  to  his 
own  great  courage.  Jockey  McCabe,  a  midget  whose  head  and 
hands  are  busy  under  all  conditions,  rode  a  wonderful  race. 
Coming  through  the  stretch  he  was  working  in  perfect  unison 
with  his  mount.  McCabe  was  restraining  the  high-strung  geld- 
ing, and  at  the  same  time  looking  back  into  the  rut  of  blasted 
hopes  where  Hodge,  Bronzewing  and  other  stars  of  the  turf 
struggled  toward  the  wire. 

Old  Rosebud  seemed  to  realize  the  importance  of  the  occa- 
sion. He  had  given  his  best  efforts  and  won.  Except  for  flecks 
of  foam  and  sweat  upon  his  arching  neck,  he  seemed  as  though 
he  had  just  come  out  of  the  barn  for  a  workout.  He  was  the 
leading  money-winner  on  the  turf  in  1913,  and  bids  fair  to  hold 
his  record  again  in  1914. 

Governor  McCreary,  who  had  witnessed  the  Derby  running 
as   the  guest   of   the   stewards,   presented  Jockey   McCabe   with 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  115 

the  huge  bouquet  of  American  Beauty  roses  and  also  tendered 
his  congratulations  to  Messrs.  Weir  and  Applegate,  the  joint 
owners  of  the  winner. 

Old  Rosebud,  the  winner,  was  bred  by  J.  E.  Madden  at 
Hamburg  Place.  His  sire,  Uncle,  was  bred  by  Col.  E.  F.  Clay 
and  his  breeding  partner,  Catesby  Woodford,  in  Bourbon  County, 
and  his  dam,  Ivory  Bells,  was  bred  by  E.  S.  Gardner  at  Avondale 
Stud,  in  Tennessee.  She  is  by  Himyar,  the  sire  of  Domino,  and 
out  of  the  wonderful  race  mare  Ida  Pickwick,  by  Mr.  Pickwick. 
The  latter  horse  is  a  son  of  the  English  Derby  winner  Hermit. 
The  next  dam  was  Ida  K.,  by  King  Alfonso,  she  being  the  dam 
of  Indigo,  that  produced  the  Suburban  Handicap  winner,  Go 
Between. 

Old  Rosebud  was  purchased,  along  with  four  yearling  fillies, 
in  the  season  of  1912,  by  H.  C.  Applegate  &  Co.,  for  $3,000.  He 
won  his  first  race,  the  Yucatan  Stakes,  at  Juarez,  Mexico,  in 
the  winter  of  1913,  and  also  won  another  race  at  that  track 
before  being  brought  to  Kentucky  last  spring.  Little  Nephew, 
also  by  Uncle,  is  the  only  horse  that  ever  beat  Old  Rosebud 
in  a  race. 

Last  year  the  Derby  winner  won  twelve  of  his  fourteen  starts. 
He  ran  three  most  remarkable  races  as  a  two-year  old  at 
Douglas  Park,  first  winning  at  five  furlongs  in  0:58  4/5,  again 
in  0:58  3/5  and  again  0:58  2/5.  In  all  of  these  races  he  beat  his 
old  rival,  Little  Nephew.  He  has  only  started  once  before  this 
season,  that  being  a  mile  race  at  Lexington,  which  he  won  with 
ease.  That  race  was  intended  as  a  preliminary  trial  for  his 
Derby  race  to-day,  and  it  must  be  admitted  that  it  brought  him 
to  the  post  in  the  Derby  in  the  very  pink  of  condition.  The 
great  gelding  was  trained  by  F.  D.  Weir,  who  is  famous  in  turf 


116  HISTORY    OF    THE 

annals  of  other  days  as  the  trainer  of  Roseben,  one  of  the 
champion  sprinters  of  all  time. 

"This  was  surely  a  great  day,  and  the  Kentucky  Derby  this 
season  eclipses  all  records,"  said  President  Charles  F.  Grainger. 
"'Old  Rosebud  and  Hodge  are  two  three-year  olds  the  like  of 
which  perhaps  never  met  in  a  Derby  race.  To  beat  a  performer 
like  Hodge  as  handily  as  he  did  to-day  makes  Old  Rosebud  one 
of  the  champion  three-year  olds  of  all  time.  Hodge  beat  the 
previous  Derby  record  far  a  mile  and  a  quarter  as  well  as  Old 
Rosebud,  and  the  race  was  run  over  a  track  more  than  a  second 
slow.  Had  the  Downs  course  been  at  its  fastest  undoubtedly 
Old  Rosebud  would  have  beaten  the  world's  record  for  the 
Kentucky  Derby  distance  on  a  circular  track  had  he  been  pushed." 

Judge  Charles  F.  Price  stated  that  he  had  never  seen  a  greater 
day  of  racing.  "There  was  not  a  single  happening  to  mar  the 
great  pleasure  of  the  afternoon,  and  the  Derby  of  1914  was  the 
most  remarkable  race  ever  run  in  the  long  history  of  this  classic 
event,"  said  the  presiding  official.  "It  was  not  only  a  track 
record  for  the  Downs,  but  it  was  a  remarkable  race  in  every 
particular  and  wonderful  to  relate,  the  two  starts  of  the  con- 
test, Old  Rosebud  and  Hodge,  are  both  geldings.  It  is  ques- 
tionable if  in  a  life-time  two  such  horses  as  these  three-year 
olds  will  be  seen  in  any  Derby  race  together." 

SUMMARY 

Saturday,  May  9,  1914.  Track  good.  Derby  1  and  J4  mile. 
$10,000  added,  value  to  winner  $9,125.  For  3-year  olds.  Time 
1:384/5,  2:03  2/5. 

Old  Rosebud,  114,  McCabe 1 

Hodge,  114,  Taylor 2 

Bronze  Wing,   117,  J.  Hanover 3 


KENTUCKY    DERBY H7 

John  Gund,  117,  Byrne;  Old  Ben,  114,  Turner;  Surprising, 
117,  Peak;  Watermelon,  112,  French. 

Winner  bay  geld,  by  Uncle— ilvory  Bells.  Owner  H.  C.  Apple- 
gate.     Trainer  F.  D.  Weir. 

FORTY-FIRST  DERBY   1915 

Regret,  a  chestnut  daughter  of  Broomstick — Jersey  Lightning, 
to-day  overcame  tradition  that  has  withstood  since  Aristides, 
the  "little  red  horse,"  triumphed  in  the  inaugural  running  of  the 
Blue  Grass  State  classic  in  the  spring  of  1875,  and  gained  for  her 
owner,  Harry  Payne  Whitney,  the  Eastern  sportsman,  the  sum 
of  $11,450  and  what  is  infinitely  more  to  him  the  honor  of 
winning  The  Kentucky  Derby. 

Regret,  the  scion  of  illustrious  thoroughbreds,  achieved  an 
easy  victory,  and,  while  she  may  not  be  the  greatest  horse  that 
ever  won  the  Derby,  the  daughter  of  Broomstick  and  the  grand- 
daughter of  Ben  Brush  frunished  a  spectacle  for  more  than 
40,000  persons  at  Churchill  Downs  that  will  not  soon  be  for- 
gotten. Dashing  to  the  front  with  the  rise  of  the  barrier,  she 
made  every  post  a  winning  post  and  came  on  to  laurels  that 
were  rightfully  hers. 

Behind  Regret  trailed  the  greatest  field  that  has  ever  worn 
silks  in  this  premier  turf  event.  Pebbles,  also  carrying  the  colors 
of  the  Eastern  invasion,  straining  aching  muscles,  pursued  the 
flying  leader  to  the  wire.  In  his  wake  were  Sharpshooter,  an- 
other representative  of  the  East;  Royal  II,  the  English-bred  colt; 
Emerson  Cochran,  Leo  Ray,  Double  Eagle  and  the  rest  of  the 
struggling  field.  Sixteen  pure-blooded  animals  accepted  the  issue, 
the  largest  number  in  the  history  of  the  race. 

Far  Back  was  For  Fair,  a  winter  king;  Ed  Crump,  the  hope 
of  the  Tennesseeans ;  Norse  King,  a  star  of  the  Maryland  racing, 


118  HISTORY    OF    THE 

and  others.  Each  had  done  nobly,  he  had  done  his  best,  but 
it  was  not  enough  to-day.  Old  horsemen  squinted  their  eyes  un- 
availingly;  they  could  not  recall  a  Derby  wherein  so  many  good 
horses  had  been  found  wanting.  For  when  was  there  such  a 
field  as  that  in  the  forty-first  running  of  this  turf  fixture? 
Regret  and  her  victory  will  long  be  talked  of  where  the  turf 
is  discussed. 

"A  filly  cannot  win  the  Derby"  has  been  a  familiar  slogan  in 
Kentucky.  But  no  filly  of  Regret's  type  has  ever  before  aspired 
to  this  turf  honor.  Of  richest  lineage,  trained  by  the  master 
hand  of  James  Rowe,  and  ridden  by  the  clever  Notter,  Regret's 
claim  demanded  consideration.  Those  who  scoffed  at  her  chances 
did  not  consider. 

After  a  short  delay  at  the  starting  pole,  all  breasted  the 
line  together  and  up  went  the  barrier.  Down  the  stretch  came 
the  charging  thoroughbreds;  past  the  grandstand  they  sped  with 
Regret  leading  by  a  half  length,  Pebbles  second  and  Sharpshooter 
third,  overlapped  by  Ed  Crump.  The  others  were  in  close 
attendance. 

On  swept  Regret,  Jockey  Notter  sat  well  forward  and  the 
filly  moved  with  the  utmost  precision,  maintaining  a  moderate 
rating  stride  that  bespoke  much  reserve.  Pebbles  still  hung  at 
the  saddle  girth,  his  long  sweeping  strides  a  source  of  discomfort 
to  the  backers  of  the  favorite.  Plain  it  was  that  Pebbles  was 
the  chief  contender,  and  in  the  interest  of  the  thousands  it 
was  a  two4iorse  race. 

Around  the  first  turn  and  up  the  back  stretch  went  the  flying 
leaders.  At  the  five-eighths  pole  Pebbles  challenged,  and  mo- 
mentarily seemed  to  make  up  a  few  inches  on  the  pacemaker, 
but  Notter  loosened  his  reins  a  notch  and  Regret  responded  easily. 
Sharpshooter  was  still  leading  the  pursuit.     Ed  Crump,  a  close 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  119 


attendant,  then  made  his  move.  Near  the  end  of  the  back  stretch 
the  Schorr  colt  crept  up.  He  was  ridden  by  Jockey  Goose,  a 
Louisville  boy,  and  his  friends  sounded  above  the  din,  "Come 
on  Roscoe."  But  Ed  Crump  was  not  equal  to  the  occasion.  He 
tried,  but  failed  and  dropped  back  further  and  further  as  the 
journey   progressed. 

As  they  took  the  turn  by  the  old  clubhouse  Pebbles  made  a 
determined  bid  for  the  honor  and  glory  that  go  to  the  winner  of 
the  Kentucky  Derby.  Again  Regret  met  his  challenge  easily. 
She  moved  away  from  her  dogged  rival  and  came  into  the 
stretch  with  a  lead  of  a  length  and  a  half.  Sharpshooter  plodded 
stubbornly  after  the  Butler  crack,  his  steel-like  cords  playing 
beneath  the  skin.  Three-sixteenths  of  a  mile  from  the  wire 
Notter  shook  up  the  filly  slightly  and  she  came  on  down  the  rail 
two  lengths  in  front  of  Pebbles.  Sharpshooter,  driving  madly 
under  the  urging  of  Jockey  Butwell,  held  R'oyal  II.  safe. 

Regret  pulled  up  remarkably  fresh  after  her  long  journey. 
When  she  came  back  into  the  charm  circle  before  the  judges' 
stand  she  was  still  full  of  run.  When  the  wreath  was  placed 
around  her  neck  and  Jockey  Notter  boosted  up  on  her  bare, 
sweaty  back  the  cheering  which  had  accompanied  her  victory  was 
a  mere  whisper  in  comparison  to  the  ovation  she  received  when 
the  idea  that  the  unattainable  had  been  attained  and  that  a  filly 
had  conquered  the  princes  of  the  turf  and  won  a  Kentucky 
Derby,  penetrated  the  head  of  the  vast  throng. 

Regret  was  bred  at  Mr.  Whitney's  Brookdale  Farm,  in  New 
Jersey. 

Under  a  smiling  sun,  forgetful  of  world's  tragedy,  society 
assembled  a  brilliant  gathering  around  the  clubhouse  grounds 
to  witness  the  running  of  the  Derby  to-day. 

Mr.  Whitney  was  one  of  the  first  men  out  on  the  track  after 
the  race  was  over,  and  as  Regret  was  jogging  back  to  the  stand  he 


120  HISTORYOFTHE 

remarked:  "Isn't  she  the  prettiest  little  filly  you  ever  saw? 
You  know,"  he  continued,  "this  is  the  greatest  race  in  America 
at  the  present  time,  and  I  don't  care  if  she  never  starts  again. 
The  glory  of  winning  this  event  is  big  enough,  and  Regret  can 
retire  to  the  New  Jersey  farm  any  time  now.  I  told  Rowe  I 
didn't  care  if  she  never  won  another  race  if  she  could  only  land 
this  one.  I  have  seen  much  bigger  crowds  than  this  one  in  the 
East  and  abroad,  but  I  never  saw  a  more  enthusiastic  one.  It's 
great"  and  the  expression  on  his  face .  as  he  stood  patting  the 
mare's  neck  was  the  best  evidence  in  the  world  that  he  is  a 
worthy  representative  of  his  illustrious  father,  than  whom  racing 
never  had  a  better  friend. 

This  was  the  largest  field  which  ever  went  to  the  post  in  the 
Kentucky  Derby.  In  1875,  when  the  first  Kentucky  Derby  was 
run,  and  Aristides,  the  little  chestnut  horse  was  returned  the 
victor,  fifteen  competed  for  the  prize  and  honors.  In  1882,  when 
Apollo  was  victorious,  fourteen  went  to  the  post,  but  never  in 
its  long  history  did  sixteen  horses  fight  it  out. 

SUMMARY 

May  8,  1915.  Track  fast.  Derby,  $10,000  added,  value  to 
winner  $11,450;  $2,000  to  second;  $1,000  to  third.  Time  23  3/5, 
48  3/5,    1.13  3/5,    1.392/5,   2.05  2/5. 

Regret,  112,  J.  Notter 1 

Pebbles,  117,  C  Borel 2 

Sharpshooter,  114,  J.  Butwell 3 

Royal  II,  117,  A.  Neylon;  Emerson  Cochran,  117,  W.  Taylor; 
Leo  Rey,  117,  T.  McTaggart;  Double  Eagle,  117,  C.  Burlingame; 
Dortch,  110,  A.  Mott;  For  Fair,  117,  Warrington;  Ed  Crump, 
117,  R.  Goose;  Little  String,  117,  E.  Pool;  Goldcrest  Boy,  114, 
J.  Kederis;  Uncle  Bryn,  117.  J.  McTaggart;  Tetan,  117,  J.  Smyth; 
Norse  King,  117,  W.  J.  O'Brien;  Booker  Bill,  117,  W.  Andress. 

Winner  Ch  F,  by  Broomstick— Jersey  Lightning.  Trained  by 
J.  Rowe.    Owner,  H.  P.  Whitney. 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  121 

FORTY-SECOND  DERBY  1916 

As  old  Rome  raised  her  gates  for  the  returning  conqueror 
and  turned  over  to  him  the  city's  keys  so  did  Louisville  surrender 
to-day  to  the  spirit  of  the  Derby. 

Again  must  the  mind  go  back  to  palmy  days  of  the  city  by 
the  Tiber  to  imagine  anything  like  the  scene  when  that  crowd  of 
50,000  cheering  persons  saw  Gov.  Stanley  present  the  victor's 
wreath  to  Loftus,  the  boy  who  rode  George  Smith,  winner  of 
the  classic. 

It  was  a  surrender  complete,  unequivocal  and  universal  with 
all  classes,  at  all  places  and  in  every  regard. 

But  perhaps  it  was  not  a  surrender  at  all,  for  that  spirit  of 
the  great  Kentucky  classic  gave  to  the  city  a  gala  day  that  even 
the  carnival  of  Venice  or  Mardi  Gras  at  New  Orleans  cannot 
surpass ;  it  crowded  the  city  with  25,000  strangers  from  far  and 
near  and,  from  the  calculations  of  hotel  men  and  others  who 
come  in  immediate  contact  with  the  racing  crowds,  brought  and 
left  no  less  than  one-half  million  out-of-town  dollars  to  the 
Gateway  of  the  South. 

There  was  but  one  limit  to  the  festivities  of  the  day — the 
azure  sky.  If  Louisville  was  joyful  to  see  so  many  strangers 
within  her  walls  and  delighted  in  a  day  of  sport  that  might  befit 
dwellers  of  the  Elysian  Fields,  she  had  yet  another  cause  for 
gladness.  Despite  the  efforts  of  "the  East"  to  capture  the  Ken- 
tucky Derby  for  two  seasons,  the  first  and  third  horses  in  the 
classic  were  "bred  in  old  Kentucky." 

The  Derby  was  the  fifth  race  on  the  card,  and  it  was  5 :15 
o'clock  when  the  horses  reached  the  post.  There  was  but  little 
delay  at  the  barrier,  and  within  a  minute  they  were  on  their 
way.  Dodge,  which  ran  coupled  with  Franklin  as  the  Weber  & 
Ward  entry,  was  the  first  to  show  colors,   and  his  stablemate 


122  HISTORY    OF    THE 

dashed  away  right  behind  him.  Dominant,  which  was  coupled 
with  Thunderer  as  the  Harry  Payne  Whitney  entry,  followed 
the  Weber  &  Ward  pair,  and  he  immediately  dashed  into  a 
long  lead. 

Passing  the  stand  for  the  first  time  Dominant  had  a  long  lead 
and  appeared  to  be  running  easily,  but  after  reaching  the  back 
side  of  the  track  it  was  evident  that  he  was  not  good  enough  to 
last  it  out  Franklin  was  running  close  to  him  and  appeared  to 
be  ready  to  run  over  him.  George  Smith  was  in  third  position, 
and  Jockey  Johnny  Loftus  was  carefully  nursing  him  along 
reserving  his  speed  for  the  gruelling  drive  through  the  stretch, 
which  he  knew  must  come.  Nearing  the  three  furlong  pole 
Dominant  gave  it  up  and  then  Loftus  called  on  George  Smith. 

The  Sanford  colt  bounded  to  the  front  at  a  rapid  rate  and 
soon  had  a  lead  of  a  length  over  his  field,  with  Franklin  closest 
to  him.  Then  it  wTas  that  Star  Hawk  loomed  up  as  a  dangerous 
contender  as  he  finally  found  his  stride  and  had  clear  sailing. 
In  the  stretch,  though,  Loftus  kept  hard  at  work  on  George 
Smith,  while  Jockey  Walter  Lilley,  who  rode  Star  Hawk,  was 
making  vigorous  efforts  to  get  him  up. 

Between  the  sixteenth  pole  and  the  finish  it  looked  as  though 
Star  Hawk  could  make  it,  but  Loftus'  experience  served  him 
well  and  he  never  drove  a  horse  harder  than  he  drove  George 
Smith. 

The  showing  of  the  Whitney  pair  was  disappointing  to  the 
Eastern  contingent  and  to  Trainer  James  R'owe  himself,  Who  was 
the  picture  of  confidence  before  the  race.  Thunderer  did  not 
show  to  advantage  at  any  stage  of  the  race,  but  he  finally 
managed  to  beat  his  stablemate,  he  finishing  fifth,  and  Dominant 
seventh. 

Nine  three-year  old  colts  contested  for  the  race,  Bulse,  Huf- 
faker  and  St.  Isidore  being  scratched. 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  123 

George  Smith  is  entirely  of  English  blood,  both  his  sire,  Out 
of  Reach,  and  his  dam,  Consuelo  II.,  being  of  imported  blood. 
His  sire  is  now  owned  by  the  New  York  turfman,  James  Butler. 

The  Derby  was  worth  gross  $13,200.  The  winner's  net  share 
was  $9,750,  while  the  second  horse,  Star  Hawk,  took  down 
$2,000;  the  third  horse,  Franklin,  $1,000,  and  the  fourth  horse, 
Dodge,  saved  his  stake  of  $225.  The  time,  2:04,  has  only  once 
been  beaten  in  the  Derby,  being  second  to  the  mark  of  2:03  2/5, 
scored  by  Old  Rosebud  in  1914,  which  is  still  the  Kentucky 
Derby  race  record. 

Jockey  John  Loftus,  who  rode  George  Smith  to  victory  in 
the  Kentucky  Derby,  is  a  native  of  Chicago,  111.,  where  his 
parents  reside.  He  lias  long  been  regarded  one  of  the  leading 
riders  of  America,  and  is  now  under  contract  to  James  Butler. 
He  only  came  West  this  spring  to  ride  George  Smith  at  Lex- 
ington and  in  the  Derby,  and  will  return  to  New  York  at  once 
to  his  employer.  Loftus  was  long  connected  with  the  stable  of 
J.  B.  Respess  and  was  also  awhile  with  the  J.  Livingston  stable. 
He  rode  one  season  in  France  and  made  good  there,  the  same 
as  he  has  in  this  country. 

John  Sanford,  the  owner  of  George  Smith,  is  a  son  of  the 
noted  turfman  of  the  same  surname,  who  raced  such  great  horses 
as  Caughnawaga,  Rockton,  Chuctanunda,  Mohawk  II.  and  Molly 
Brant.  The  Sanford  place  is  Hurricana  Stud,  near  Amsterdam, 
N.  Y.,  where  is  also  located  the  Sanford  carpet  manufacturing 
plant.  It  is  at  Hurricana  Stud  that  George  Smith  will  do  stud 
service  when  his  turf  career  is  over. 

George  Smith,  the  winner  of  the  forty-second  renewal  of  the 
historic  and  classic  Kentucky  Derby,  is  a  superbly  made  black 
colt  of  average  good  size  and  much  quality,  with  a  superior  way 
of  going.  He  is  very  sightly  in  appearance  and  has  a  perfect 
track  disposition. 


124  HISTORY    OF    THE 

He  was  bred  in  Mercer  County,  Kentucky,  at  the  Fountainbue 
Stud  of  Chinn  &  Forsythe,  and  was  sold  at  a  fall  sale  of  yearlings 
at  the  Latonia  track  for  $1,600,  being  the  second  highest  priced 
yearling  sold  at  that  time.  Ed  McBride,  at  that  sale,  left  con- 
siderable money  with  Lou  Tauber  to  buy  three  yearlings,  one 
of  these  was  George  Smith,  another  was  Tom  Elwood,  and  the, 
other  was  Eddie  Henry,  both  of  which  have  won  stake  races 
for  McBride. 

SUMMARY 

May  13,  1916.  Track  fast.  $10,000  added.  Value  to  winner 
$9,750,  second  $2,000,  third  $1,000.  Time  22  2/5,  462/5,  1.121/5, 
1.38  4/5,  2.04. 

George  Smith,   117,  J.  Loftus 1 

Star  Hawk,   117,  W.  Lilley 2 

Franklin,  117,  T.  Rice 3 

Dodge,  117,  F.  Murphy;  Thunderer,  117,  T.  McTaggart;  The 
Cock,  110,  M.  Garner;  Dominant,  117,  J.  Notter ;  Kinney,  117, 
L.   Gentry;   Lena   Misha,   117,   E.   Dugan. 

Winner  black  colt,  by  Out-of  Reach — Consuelo  II.  Owned 
by  John  San  ford.     Trained  by  H.  Hughes. 

FORTY-THIRD  DERBY  1917 

Mindful  still  of  the  war  time,  but  mindful  more  of  the  play 
time — of  Kentucky's  great  play  day  of  the  May  time — 35,000 
citizens  of  everywhere  came  from  the  high  and  low  places  of 
earth  to-day  to  make  Derby  Day  in  Louisville  what  Derby  Day 
always  had  been. 

When  a  Maytime  sun  flushes  the  bluegrass  of  Churchill 
Downs,  dapples  the  satin  coats  of  thoroughbreds  and  touches 
to  brilliancy  the  brave  green  and  gold  of  paddock,  lawn  and 
infield,  when  a  hawthornscented  breeze,  straight  from  the  wooded 


KENTUCKY    DERBY 125 

hills  of  Jacob  Park,  ripples  the  gleaming  folds  of  "Old  Glory," 
when  Senators  and  Governors,  multi-millionaires  and  interna- 
tionally famous  beauties  foregather  for  the  running  of  the 
Derby,  when  the  motion  picture  cameras  are  licking,  when  the 
bands  are  playing,  and  the  bugles  sounding  "Boots  and  Saddles," 
it  is  time  to  heed  Omar's  advice: 

"Come,  fill  the  cup,  and  in  the  fire  of  spring 
Your  winter  garment  of  repentance  fling!" 

There  were,  indeed,  no  "winter  garments  of  repentance"  in 
evidence  at  the  Down  to-day  but  instead  such  Far  Eastern 
colors,  such  vivid  touches  of  Chinese  red  and  jade  green,  such 
oriental  embroideries,  such  swirling  military  capes  and  coats 
that  had  their  inspiration  in  the  army  as  to  convert  the  Downs 
into  a  picture  that  suggested  some  vast  canvas  by  Velasquez. 

The  wise  man  who  once  declared  that  "four  things  greater 
than  all  things  are :  Women  and  horses  and  power  and  war" 
would  have  found  his  dictum  translated  into  living  proof  to-day, 
for  added  to  the  beauty  of  the  women  who  graced  the  Downs, 
added  to  the  fleetness  of  the  satin-coated  horses,  and  the  power 
that  is  Kentucky,  there  was  the  suggestion  of  patriotism  that 
can  only  translate  itself  in  war.  The  olive-drab  of  the  First 
Kentucky  Infantry  formed  a  fitting  background  for  the  striking 
picture  presented  by  clubhouse  lawn,  verandas  and  boxes.  "Old 
Glory"  rippled  and  fluttered  and  the  notes  of  the  bugle  stirred 
the  immense  throng  to  one  single  impulse  of  patriotism.  The 
feeling  that  if  fate  should  decree  that  on  the  next  Derby  days 
some  of  "ooir  boys"  should  be  in  France,  and  nearer  Longchamps 
than  Churchill  Downs,  that  Kentucky  will  be  sure  to  "place 
a  wager  for  them"  instead  of  "turning  down  an  empty  glass," 
was  everywhere  expressed. 


126  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Meanwhile,  it  seemed  that  "the  loveliest,  and  the  best"  of- 
Louisville,  of  Kentucky,  and  of  the  nation,  were  "star-scattered 
on  the  grass"  of  the  clubhouse.  In  fact,  the  Rubaiyat  of  the 
Kentucky  Derby  was  written  to-day,  and  the  chestnut-coated, 
satin-smooth  Omar  Khayyam  won  no  less  in  the  clubhouse  than 
on  the  race  course  for  everywhere  the  Far  Eastern,  the  Persian, 
the  Oriental  touch  was  in  evidence.  There  were  Arab  coats, 
pongees,  and  tussahs,  silks  of  Oriental  weave,  and  fabrics  that 
were  dyed  in  the  self -same  tints,  and  embroidered  in  the  self- 
same designs  and  motifs  as  those  that  greeted  the  eyes  of 
Omar  Khayyam   centuries   ago. 

Automobiles  in  a  long  line  that  narrowed  close  to  the  course 
and  bore  thousands  from  all  quarters  of  the  city  filled  all  the 
inclosures  and  the  open  spaces  near  the  park.  Street  cars,  em- 
bracing nearly  all  the  emergency  equipment  of  the  railway  com- 
pany, ran  in  an  almost  continuous  line,  southbound,  for  several 
hours  on  Fourth  street.  Many  lovers  of  the  sport  and  the 
occasion  took  the  footpaths  for  the  exercise. 

At  any  rate,  1 :30  o'clock  found  no  less  than  30,000  persons 
within  Churchill  Downs.  It  found  them  likewise  at  attention  as 
a  body  of  soldiers,  led  by  a  soldier  band,  marched  in  from  the 
north  gate,  drawing  up  before  a  large  flagstaff  in  the  center 
of  the  infield. 

When  30,000  persons  are  of  one  mind,  and  are  gathered  in 
silence  in  one  place,  there  is  eloquence  in  the  air.  The  very 
breeze  gives  a  thrill.  When  the  Star  Spangled  Banner  and  a  Ken- 
tucky Derby  in  wartime  are  turned  loose  on  such  a  vast  gathering 
of  Americans  the  heart  thumps  mightily.  In  that  gathering  were 
men  who  have  seen  the  ravages  of  war  and  men  who  expect  to 
feel  its  blight;  men  in  the  khaki  and  men  hoping  soon  to  don 
it.     And  so,  when  the  regiment  boys  burst  into  the  anthem  as 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  127 

a  large  flag  was  raised  along  with  two  smaller  ones,  the  crowd 
rose,  held  its  silence  until  the  band  ceased,  and  then  broke 
into  a  mighty  cheer. 

It  was  nearly  5  o'clock  when  the  bugle  sounded  calling  the 
horses  to  the  post.  The  long  procession  of  fifteen,  led  by  the 
outrider  on  a  gray  horse,  garbed  in  a  fiery  red  jacket,  made  an 
imposing  picture.  The  gay  silks  of  the  jockeys,  with  the  verdant 
infield  for  a  background,  handed  just  the  right  touch  of  color 
to  the  scene.  Down  past  the  grandstand  and  clubhouse  they 
pranced,  and  here  they  were  all  given  cheers.  It  takes  Kentucky 
racing  audiences  to  grow  enthusiastic,  and  they  know  how  to 
do  it.  On  the  way  to  the  post  Ticket,  the  favorite,  was  the  most 
nervous  one  of  the  lot,  prancing  and  dancing  throughout  the 
stretch.    All  others  were  a  well  behaved  lot. 

It  took  the  starter  four  minutes  to  get  them  in  alignment, 
and  then  the  grand  old  shout  of  "They're  off !"  shot  out  from  the 
grandstand  and  was  spent  on  the  distant  green  hills. 

Ticket  dashed  into  the  lead,  but  Stargazer  soon  assumed 
command,  with  Berlin  forcing  the  pace  at  his  side.  They  swept 
past  the  grandstand  at  a  stirring  clip,  the  field  strung  out  as  the 
riders  jockeyed  for  positions.  On  went  Stargazer,  his  dazzling 
pace  tearing  at  the  hearts  of  those  who  attempted  to  follow  it. 
Berlin  curled  up  from  the  effort  and  dropped  back,  beaten,  as  the 
band  'Sped  up  the  back  stretch.  Ticket  still  held  on  and  it 
was  plain  that  he  was  the  horse  the  winner  would  have  to  beat. 

As  they  rounded  the  turn  by  the  old  clubhouse  Rickety  made 
his  move.  He  seemed  to  have  the  speed  of  his  party  and  rapidly 
mowed  down  his  opposition.  At  the  quarter  pole  Rickety  flashed 
in  front,  but  it  was  only  for  an  instant.  He  appeared  to  sud- 
denly weaken  and  Ticket  headed  the  procession. 

Meanwhile  one  of  the  cleverest  riders  in  America  was  nestling 
low  over  the  neck  of  a  big  chestnut  colt.    As  the  field  passed  the 


128  HISTORYOFTHE 

grandstand  the  first  time  he  was  in  tenth  place.  There  he 
continued  around  the  curve  and  into  the  back  stretch.  Out  in 
front  he  could  see  the  flying  leaders,  but  his  mount  was  running 
smoothly,  and  as  they  passed  the  half  mile  pole  he  noticed  he 
was  shortening  the  distance  that  he  must  make  up.  He  was 
satisfied  with  his  position.  But  suddenly  every  hope  was 
threatened.  He  was  borne  over  against  the  rail  and  his  mount 
was  knocked  off  his  stride.  But  Borel  did  not  despair.  He 
took  back  until  the  way  was  clear  and  passed  the  mile  mark  in 
sixth  place. 

The  flying  leaders  swung  a  trifle  wide  into  the  stretch  and 
left  an  opening  on  the  rail.  Borel  did  not  hesitate.  Along  the 
white  fence  he  took  Omar.  In  a  couple  of  jumps  his  mount 
was  at  Ticket's  rump.  Steadily  he  moved  toward  the  front,  past 
saddle  girth  and  withers.  He  soon  was  stretching  fiery  nostrils 
alongside  the  bay  colt's  neck,  and  then  Omar  Khayyam's  blaze 
face  showed  in  front,  and  in  the  last  hundred  yards  commenced 
to  draw  away  and  swept  under  the  wire  winner  by  two  lengths. 

The  Kentucky  Derby;  one  mile  and  a  quarter;  for  three-year 
olds;  purse,  $15,000  added;  net  value  to  the  winner,  $16,600; 
$2,500  to  second,  $1,000  to  third,  $275  to  fourth.  Fractional 
Time— 0 ;23 3/5,  0:47  3/5,  1:124/5,  1:38,  2:04  3/5. 

Starters      Weights  Jockeys  St.      ^  XA        Va      S.       F. 

Omar  Khayyam,   117... Borel  11  10  h  10  1  6/2  2  1  1  2 

Ticket,    117.... J.   McTaggart    1  3h  3  V/2  4%  \y2  2  V/2 

Midway,  117 C.  Hunt  12  12  1  9  1  8/2  3  h  3  4 

Rickety,   117 Robinson    5  7y2  5  1  1  h  4/2  4  1 

War  Star,  110 Buxton    6  5  V/2  6  1  5/2  5h  Sh 

Manister   Toi,    117. . .  .Keogh  15  \3y2  Uy2  10  1  6y2  6  h 

Skeptic,    117 Martin  14  6  1  4h  9  17  17  1^ 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  129 

Guy  Fortune,    117. .  .Connolly    2  14  1  12  1  12  1  11  1     8]/2 

Star  Master,    117 Loftus    9  4l/2  2h  2  h  8  11  9  h 

Stargazer,    110 Crump  10      V/2  \y2      3h  9^10  2 

Cudgel,    117 Murphy  13  11  1  7  1  13  1  12^  11  5 

Green   Jones,    117 Goose    3  9  h  13  1  11^  13  1  12  8 

Top  o'  the  Wave,  117.Morys,    4  15  14  2  14  1  14  1  13  4 

Berlin,    117 Andress     7  2y2  8h      7^  10  1  14  12 

Acabado,    114 Schuttinger    8      8  h  15  15  15      15 

The  $2  mutuels  paid:  Omar  Khayyam,  straight  $27.60,  place 
$10.90,  show  $6.20;  Ticket,  place  $3.70,  show  $2.80;  Midway, 
show  $5.10. 

Omar  Khayyam  was  bred  in  England  by  Sir  John  Robinson 
and  J.  T.  Farr  and  was  purchased  by  his  present  trainer,  Charles 
T.  Patterson  for  C.  K.  G.  Billings  and  Frederick  Johnson  at 
Newmarket,  September  15,  1915,  for  $1,500.  Omar  Khayyam's 
sire  Marco  won  the  Cambridgeshire,  etc.,  and  is  the  sire  of  Neil 
Gow,  Beppo,  Marcovil,  Malua,  Bembo,  Mirador,  Sansovino,  and 
other  good  horses. 

Omar  Khayyam,  named  for  the  great  Persian  poet  and  as- 
tronomer, is  the  first  foreign-bred  colt  to  win  a  Kentucky  Derby. 
His  owners  are  Frederick  Johnson,  a  broker,  in  New  York  and 
C.  K.  G.  Billings,  owner  of  the  famous  trotters  Uhlan,  Lou 
Dillon  and  Major  Delmar  and  it  is  his  second  season  as  a 
thoroughbred  owner.  Mr.  Johnson  saw  his  colt  win  but  Mr. 
Billings  was  unable  to  enjoy  seeing  the  victory. 

Trainer  C.  T.  Patterson  said  before  the  race :  "I  never 
trained  a  'horse  in  which  I  had  more  confidence  than  Omar 
Khayyam,  and  I  handled  Hamburg  and  Ornament." 


130  HISTORY    OF    THE 

FORTY-FOURTH  DERBY  1918 

In  the  presence  of  the  greatest  crowd  that  ever  thronged 
Churchill  Downs  and  over  a  track  fetlock  deep  in  mud,  Willis 
Sharpe  Kilmer's  ches\tnut  gelding  Exterminator,  saddled  by 
Henry  McDaniel,  and  capably  ridden  by  W.  Knapp,  scored 
an  easy  victory  over  seven  other  good  three-year  olds  in  the 
forty-fourth  running  of  the  Kentucky  Derby  this  afternoon. 
Kenneth  D.  Alexander's  crack  Broomstick  colt,  Escoba,  ridden 
by  Joe  Notter,  finished  second,  a  length  back  of  the  winner  and 
eight  lengths  in  front  of  Viva  America,  the  only  filly  that  started 
in  the  race.  A.  K.  Macomber's  imported  War  Cloud,  a  heavy 
favorite  in  the  speculation  and  which  would  have  paid  a  little 
less  than  three  to  two,  had  he  won,  was  never  a  serious  factor 
and  finished  fourth,  beaten  all  of  the  way. 

The  winner  was  given  but  scant  consideration  by  the  bettors, 
being  the  least  regarded  of  the  eight  that  made  up  the  field  after 
Aurum  and  Jim  Heffering  had  been  withdrawn.  Exterminator 
paid  his  backers  the  handsome  odds  of  nearly  thirty  to  one  and 
in  winning  upset  all  calculations  and  brought  consternation  to 
the  ranks  of  the  form  players,  who  went  to  War  Cloud  with 
rare  confidence. 

It  was  after  five  o'clock  when  the  bugle  called  the  horses  to 
the  post  for  the  Derby,  in  which  a  big  surprise  was  in  store  for 
the  spectators.  Every  inch  of  space  in  clubhouse  and  grand- 
stand was  taken,  while  a  solid  mass  of  humanity  lined  the 
lawns  a  quarter  of  a  mile  long,  extending  from  clubhouse  to 
the  quarter  pole,  almost  to  the  head  of  the  homestretch.  The 
procession  of  eight  sleek  thoroughbreds,  trained  to  the  minute, 
led  by  the  outrider  on  a  gray  horse,  garbed  in  a  fiery  jacket, 
made  an  imposing  picture.  The  gay  silks  of  the  jockeys  with 
the  verdant  field  for  a  background,  gave  just  the  right  touch  of 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  131 

color  to  the  scene.  Down  past  the  grandstand  and  clubhouse 
they  pranced,  with  Escoba  in  the  lead,  closely  followed  by  the 
others.  At  sight  of  the  dark  blue  and  white  sleeves  of  Mr. 
Alexander,  worn  by  Escoba's  rider,  faint  cheers  rippled  along 
the  fringe  of  the  crowd  that  lined  the  rail,  and  which  was  turned 
into  a  noisy  demonstration  as  War  Cloud,  the  favorite,  came 
in  sight.  They  reached  the  post  at  5:19,  and  it  took  Starter 
Dade  but  a  brief  time  to  get  them  in  alignment.  In  exactly  two 
minutes  he  sprung  the  barrier,  and,  shouting,  'Come  on,"  sent 
the  eight  horses  away  on  their  history-making  journey.  Viva 
America  was  the  first  to  show  in  front  after  a  few  strides,  and 
was  closely  followed  by  Sewell  Combs  and  Escoba. 

As  they  thundered  past  the  stand  for  the  first  time,  the 
Worthington  filly  was  still  in  the  lead,  with  Sewell  Combs  and 
Escoba  running  neck  and  neck  to  her  rear.  Exterminator  was 
lying  in  fourth  position,  while  Lucky  B.,  American  Eagle,  War 
Cloud  and  Jas.  T.  Clark  were  running  abreast  not  far  behind. 
There  was  very  little  change  in  the  running  positions  as  the 
field  swung  into  the  backstretch,  except  that  the  leader  was 
beginning  to  show  the  strain  of  pacemaking.  As  they  reached  the 
half-mile  pole  backers  of  War  Cloud  implored  Loftus  to  move 
up  and  for  a  moment  it  appeared  that  the  rider  had  heard  the  cry 
across  the  field  and  was  making  an  effort  to  comply.  The 
English-bred  horse,  however,  showed  clearly  that  the  task  was 
too  much  for  him,  for  despite  his  rider's  vigorous  efforts  he 
could  not  get  within  hailing  distance  of  the  leaders.  Rounding 
the  far  turn  Viva  America  was  ready  to  cry  quits  and  Escoba, 
after  shaking  off  Sewell  Combs,  forged  ahead.  If  Notter,  who 
was  aboard  of  Escoba,  exulted  over  the  advantage  gained,  he  was 
soon  doomed  to  disappointment,  for  Knapp  had  gone  to  work 
on   Exterminator,   and    under   keen   urging   the    Kilmer   gelding 


132  HISTORY    OF    THE 

rushed  forward  and  was  on  even  terms  with  the  Alexander  colt 
as  they  straightened  out  for  the  last  gruelling  drive.  After  a 
brief  struggle,  Exterminator  shook  off  his  doughty  antagonist 
and  drawing  clear  in  the  last  eighth,  won  in  a  mild  drive  in 
2:10  4/5.  Escoba  had  practically  no  opposition  for  the  place. 
Viva  America  beat  War  Cloud  four  lengths  for  third  money. 
S-ewell  'Combs  ran  a  good  race,  but  tired  chasing  the  leader  in 
the  first  seven-eighths.  Lucky  B.,  which  was  supposed  to  be 
partial  to  the  heavy  track,  ran  far  below  expectations.  American 
Eagle  and  Jas.  T.  Clark  also  ran  below  par  and  might  just  as 
well  not  have  been  started.  War  Cloud  showed  a  very  poor 
effort,  due  probably  to  the  fact  that  he  did  not  like  the  kind  of 
mud  that  prevailed  to-day. 

The  winner's  portion  of  the  stake  amounted  to  $14,700.  The 
second  horse's  share  was  $2,500,  and  the  third  horse,  $1,000.  By 
finishing  fourth  War  Cloud  saved  his  owner  nominating  and 
starting   fees. 

Exterminator  and  his  rider  were  roundly  applauded  upon 
their  return  to  the  stand.  Mr.  Kilmer,  who  watched  the  race 
with  Mrs.  Kilmer  from  a  box,  was  called  into  the  judges'  box 
and  warmly  congratulated  by  Gov.  A.  O.  Stanley,  while  the 
floral  wreath  was  placed  around  the  neck  of  the  winner. 

The  morning  dawned  bright  and  clear,  but  shortly  after  7 
o'clock  the  sky  became  overcast  and  by  8:30  the  rain  was  pouring 
down.  It  was  steady  and  heavy  until  shortly  after  1  o'clock 
when  it  ceased  and  there  was  an  occasional  feeble  attempt  of 
the  sun  to  kiss  away  the  dampness  on  stand  and  lawns  and  rye- 
grown  infield  of  verdant  Churchill  Downs,  but  it  was  all  to  no 
purpose,  for  the  country's  most  classical  race  was  decided  over 
the  muddiest  course  for  any  Derby  since  that  won  by  Worth 
in  1912. 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  133 

As  the  horses  came  from  the  paddock  onto  the  track  in 
parade  to  the  post  for  the  opening-  race,  the  band  struck  up  the 
national  anthem,  and  at  the  same  time  the  stars  and  stripes  were 
run  up  to  the  top  of  the  tall  flag  mast  in  the  center  field. 
Everyone  stood — the  soldiers,  who  had  come  in  goodly  numbers 
from  Camp  Zachary  Taylor,  at  attention,  and  the  male  civilians, 
with  their  heads  uncovered.  Two  of  the  jockeys,  Frank  Murphy 
and  Lee  Mink,  took  off  their  caps  when  they  heard  the  strains 
of  "The  Star  Spangled  Banner,"  and  saw  "Qld  Glory,"  floating 
to  the  breeze,  a  resplendent  guarantee  to  the  freedom  of  the 
nation  and  earnest  evidence  that  our  fighting  forces  and  their 
allies  will  make  the  world  safe  for  democracy.  And  just  at  the 
moment  of  the  good  old  flag's  ascendancy  the  sun  shone  out  from 
behind  the  vanishing  clouds  until  it  was  bright  enough  to  cast 
shadows  from  the  trees  and  shrubs  upon  the  lawn. 

In  the  spring  of  1914  Joseph  Knight  made  arrangements  to 
breed  three  of  his  mother's  mares  to  McGee  on  snares. 
Mr.  Moore  was  to  have  the  pick  of  the  mares  owned  by  Mr. 
Knight's  mother.  Fair  Empress  was  one  of  the  mares  selected 
by  Mr.  Moore  to  breed  to  McGee  and  Exterminator  was  foaled 
on  May  30,  1915.  He  was  sold  as  a  yearling  at  Saratoga  by 
the  Powers-Hunter  Company  to  J.  C.  Milam  for  $1,500.  Mr. 
Milam  broke  him  and  developed  him,  and  last  year  won  $1,350 
with  him,  and  this  month,  during  the  Lexington  meeting,  sold 
him  to  Mr.  Kilmer  for  a  price  reported  to  have  been  in  the 
vicinity  of  $10,000. 

The  Kentuckv  Derby ;  one  mile  and  a  quarter ;  for  three- 
year  olds;  $15,000  added;  net  value  to  the  winner  $14,700;  $2,500 
to  second;  $1,000  to  third;  $275  to   fourth.     Fractional  time— 


134  HISTORY    OF    THE 

0:241/5,  0:491/5,  1:161/5,  1:43  3/5,  2:10  4/5.    Went  to  the  post 
at  5:19  p.  m.     Off  at  5:21. 

Starters         Weights  St.     YA         y2  ft    S.    F. 

Exterminator,  114.. W.  Knapp  5  5  1       \y2  1  h  2  4  1  1 

Escoba,    117 J.    Notter  2  3  l/2  2  h  211  h  28 

Viva  America,  113... W.  Warrington  1  1  V/2  1  V/2  3  4  3  2  3  4 

War   Cloud,   117 J.   Loftus  74h      52  444342 

Lucky  B.,   117 J.  McCabe  46h      7  8  5^5656 

Jas.   T.    Clark,    117 J.   Morys  873      63  76736  12 

Sewell  Combs,  117. . . L.  Gentry  3  2nk      3  1  6  2  6y2  7  1 

American  Eagle,   117 E.   Sande  6  8         8  8      8      8 

The  $2  mutuels  paid:  Exterminator,  straight  $61.20,  place 
$23.10,  show  $12.40;  Escoba,  place  $4.90,  show  $4.60;  Viva 
America,  show  $13.20. 

Start  good.  Won  handily ;  place  'driving.  Winner,  ch  g,  3,  by 
McGee — (Fair  Empress.     Trainer  H.  McDaniel. 


FORTY-FIFTH  DERBY  1919 

A  record  Derby  in  more  ways  than  one  was  this  year's 
Louisville's  big  racing  attraction.  Never  was  there  such  a  crowd, 
the  dimensions  of  which  reminded  me  of  Epsom  and  of  Fleming- 
ton.  A  vast  surging  mass  of  racing  enthusiasts,  which,  prior  to 
the  running  of  the  big  race,  were  to  be  found  eagerly  discussing 
the  merits  or  demerits  of  the  Derby  contestants  and  afterwards 
the  whys  and  wherefores  of  the  success  of  one  and  the  failure 
of  others.  A  record  Derby  also  because  of  the  fact  that  two 
horses  in  the  same  ownership  finished  first  and  second,  and  also 
for  the  first  time  in  its  history  the  spoils  fell  to  a  sportsman  who 
hails  from  the  land  of  "God  save  the  king  and  heaven  bless  the 
maple  leaf  forever." 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  135 

Fortunately  the  morning's  promise  of  still  more  rain  was  not 
fulfilled,  nary  an  umbrella  did  I  see  raised  during  the  course  of 
the  afternoon.  Many  there  were  who  availed  themselves  of  the 
privilege  of  watching  the  race  from  the  infield,  though  the 
grandstand  was  not  filled  to  that  overflowing  that  has  marked 
the  decision  of  former  Derbies.  This  was  true  because  of  the 
fact  that  the  whole  grandstand  was  reserved,  an  extra  charge 
being  demanded  for  admission.  Surely  this  is  a  mistake,  ugh! 
What  next?  What  would  have  happened  it  is  hard  to  say  had 
Jupiter  Pluvious  again  gone  to  work.  The  going  itself  was 
more  than  fair.  The  Churchill  Downs  course  never  becomes  hold- 
ings as  does  Lexington;  proof  of  this  is  the  winner's  more  than 
good  time,  made  when  competing  for  the  Derby. 

Now  then  for  the  Derby.  The  gelding  Be  Frank  is  first  on 
view,  presenting  a  well  trained  appearance.  Vindex,  though  out 
on  the  course  for  a  warming  up  canter,  did  not  pass  the  stands. 
His  manners  are  even  yet  not  by  any  means  perfect,  whinnying 
and  nickering  when  returning  to  the  paddock,  a  magnificent 
specimen  of  a  thorough  bred,  perhaps  a  trifle  long  of  back, 
carrying  abundant  condition,  too,  but  in  every  way  a  gentleman 
to  look  at.  Along  came  the  Canadian  pair  Billy  and  Barton,  by 
odds  the  best  ordered  horses  in  the  race.  Kelly  especially  looked 
fit  to  run  for  the  proverbial  king's  ransom,  his  whippet  like 
contour  convincing  evidence  that  Trainer  Bedwell  has  lost  noth- 
ing of  his  skill,  and  Barton,  too,  though  built  on  somewhat 
more  generous  lines,  had  the  look  of  one  trained  to  the  minute. 
Indeed,  it  is  comforting  to  know  that  there  are  yet  to  be  found 
those  who  can  prepare  a  horse  for  a  ten  furlongs  race.  Eternal 
and  Sailor  also  are  shown,  the  favorite  more  bulky  than  ever, 
Sailor  put  up  on  more  rangy  lines.  Little  Regalo  was  the  last 
to  come  out,  evidently  on  the  best  of  terms  with  herself,  evincing 


136  HISTORYOFTHE 

an  interest  in  the  spectators  and  playing  with  her  pony  companion 
on  her  return.  St.  Bernard,  Frogtown  and  Under  Fire  I  did 
not  see,  the  paddock  was  altogether  impossible.  The  absolutely 
fit  condition  of  the  Ross  pair  was  the  subject  of  much  favorable 
comment,  the  magnificence  of  Vindex,  the  lack  of  scope  of 
Eternal,  the  well  being  of  Regalo,  all  of  us  had  something  to 
say,  but  there  goes  the  bugle.  Starter  Dade  did  not  keep  us 
waiting  long,  and  from  the  outset  the  Ross  chestnut,  Sir  Barton, 
was  at  the  head  of  affairs,  followed,  as  they  pass  the  stand,  by 
Eternal,  Vindex  and  Billy  Kelly.  On  they  sweep  round  the 
upper  turn,  Barton  galloping  easily  in  front  of  Eternal,  Billy 
Kelly  third,  just  in  front  of  Vindex,  then  came  St.  Bernard  and 
Sennings  Park,  well  clear  of  the  rest.  Only  one-half  mile  has 
been  run  when  Vindex  rapidly  compounds  and  quickly  falls  to 
the  rear.  On  spins  the  chestnut  well  in  advance  of  Eternal  and 
Kelly;  won't  he  ever  come  back?  Oh  no,  as  long  as  weight  and 
condition  serve,  both  of  which  are  in  his  favor.  Eternal  mo- 
mentarily makes  a  stab  at  the  three-eighths,  but  is  done,  ab- 
solutely done  thereafter.  Billy  Kelly  now  looms  up,  and  as 
they  straighten  for  home  makes  his  gallant  effort,  but  it  is  of 
no  avail,  even  to  the  application  of  the  rawhide  he  is  unable 
to  respond,  and  Sir  Barton  sails  home  an  easy  winner  after 
making  every  yard  of  the  pace.  Under  Fire  comes  out  of  the  ruck 
at  the  end  to  take  third  place,  the  son  of  Swynford  again  shows 
lack  of  pace  in  the  early  running,  but  came  along  stoutly  at  the 
finish,  the  rest  scattering.  Yes,  scattering;  there  was  no  rattling 
horse  against  horse  at  any  part  of  the  race.  It  was  thus  Sir 
Barton  broke  his  maiden,  assisted  of  course  in  this  by  his 
pull  in  weight  and  also  by  his  superior  racing  condition.  Billy 
Kelly's  condition,  too,  saved  him  the  place,  and  this  is  a  feat 
which  Trainer  Bedwell  is  deserving  of  all  praise  and  of  which 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  137 

he  may  well  be  proud.  Under  Fire's  gameness  and  race  horse 
qualities  enabled  him  to  obtain  third  place,  and  some  day,  later 
along,  he  is  certain  to  develop  into  a  cup  horse  of  the  best  sort, 
sound,  long  winded  and  hardy  as  they  come.  Regalo  disappointed 
me.  Fillies,  however,  are  ever  uncertain  in  this  spring  season. 
The  form  displayed  by  Vindex  was  altogether  too  bad  to  be  true. 
Maybe  he  has  his  peculiarities  as  had  his  grandsire  St.  Maclou. 
Eternal  did  not  have  the  appearance  of  a  thoroughly  trained 
horse.  Maybe  he  was  more  fit  than  was  thought  and  does  not 
fancy  a  distance.  As  for  the  rest,  they  simply  are  not  of  Derby 
calibre.  The  time,  2:093/5,  was  remarkably  good,  everything, 
track  and  atmospheric  conditions,  considered  and  goes  a  long 
way  to  show  that  the  Kentucky  Derby  this  year,  at  all  events, 
was  a  true  run,  honest  race.  "EXIT  F  " 

SUMMARY 

May  10,  1919.  Track  heavy.  $20,000  added.  Value  to  Win- 
ner $20,825,  second  $2,500,  third,  $1,000,  fourth  $275.  Time— 
241/5,  482/5,  1.14,  1.414/5,  2.094/5. 

Sir   Barton,   112^,  J.   Loftus 1 

Billy  Kelly,  119,  E.  Sande 2 

Under  Fire,  122,  M.  Garner 3 

Vulcanite,  110,  C.  Howard;  Sennings  Park.  122,  H.  Lunsford; 
Be  Frank,  119,  J.  Butwell ;  Sailor,  119,  J.  Mclntyre ;  St.  Bernard, 
119,  E.  Pool;  Regalo,  117,  F.  Murphy;  Eternal,  122,  A.  Schut- 
tinger;  Frogtown,  119,  J.  Morys;  Vindex,  122,  W.  Knapp. 

Winner  Chestnut  Colt,  by  Star  Shoot — Lady  Sterling.  Owned 
by  J.  K.  L.  Ross.    Trained  by  H.  G.  Bedwell. 


138  HISTORYOFTHE 

FORTY-SIXTH  DERBY  1920 

A  droning  buzz  as  if  from  45,000  human  bees,  a  sudden 
silence  as  felt  before  a  storm,  and  then  an  outburst  of  sound 
over  topped  in  volume  by  the  rebel  yell  let  out  by  Uncle  Billy 
Garth,  of  Virginia,  thousands  of  fluttering  spasms  of  dying 
thrills,  and  then  the  finish  of  the  forty-sixth  Kentucky  Derby 
passed  into  history. 

Running  a  great  and  game  race,  that  did  credit  to  his  illus- 
trious namesake,  Paul  Jones,  a  son  of  Sea  King  and  May  Flor- 
ence, led  from  start  to  finish  of  the  mile  and  a  quarter,  and  won 
under  a  drive  by  a  good  neck.  Fighting  it  out  to  the  last  ounce 
of  endeavor,  Harry  Payne  Whitney's  Upset,  that  owner's  home 
bred  son  of  Whisk  Broom  II.  and  Pankhurst,  finished  in  second 
place,  with  four  lengths  to  spare  over  George  W.  Loft's  On 
Wratch,  who  was  early  favorite  in  the  winter  books  for  this 
big  event. 

On  Watch  was  four  lengths  in  front  of  Damask  another  of 
the  Whitney  entry,  while  Donnacona,  the  other  of  the  Loft  pair 
to  start,  was  fifth,  with  Blazes,  stable  mate  of  Paul  Jones,  sixth. 
The  race  was  worth  $30,375  to  the  winner,  and  there  was  $4,000 
for  Upset,  who  ran  second,  and  $2,000  for  On  Watch,  as  the 
short  end  of  the  rich  purse,  while  Damask  saved  his  entry  fee 
when  he  finished  in  fourth  place,  $275. 

For  once,  the  monster  throng,  many  of  whom  had  witnessed 
many  other  Derbies,  awakened  to  a  perfect  day,  just  as  perfect 
as  a  day  in  June,  but  the  track  was  slow,  as  was  evidenced  by 
the  time  of  2:09.  The  record  for  this  race  was  made  by  Old 
Rosebud,  who  did  the  distance  in  2:03  2/5. 

The  start  of  the  race  could  not  have  been  better,  the  seventeen 
thoroughbreds  getting  away  in  almost  perfect  alignment,  after 
having  been  at  the  post  less  than  four  minutes. 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  139 

Paul  Jones  was  the  first  to  show  in  front,  following  the  rise 
of  the  barrier,  but  pounding  along  at  his  throat-latch  was  Prince 
Pal,  with  the  others  following  closely.  By  the  time  the  leader 
had  reached  a  point  opposite  the  paddock  gate,  a  few  hundred 
yards  from  the  starting  line,  the  others  had  begun  to  string  out. 

On  they  came  with  Paul  Jones  showing  the  way.  As  the  field 
passed  the  grandstand,  the  first  time,  Jockey  Ted  Rice  nestled  low 
in  the  saddle.  He  was  rating  his  mount  nicely  and  the  son  of 
Sea  King  was  eager  to  run.  On  they  sped  around  the  first  turn 
and  into  the  back  stretch.  Here  By  Golly  made  his  move  for  the 
honor  and  glory  that  goes  to  the  winner  of  the  Derby.  He  hung 
close  'to  the  heels  of  Paul  Jones  as  they  swung  into  the  straight- 
away, and  then  fell  back  beaten. 

Wildair  took  up  the  chase.  He  closed  to  the  saddle  girth 
of  the  Parr  winner  and  they  swept  along  at  a  tearing  pace. 
One  or  the  other  must  falter,  the  crowd  knew,  but  Paul  Jones 
proved  his  mettle.    Wildair  dropped  back. 

On  Watch  then  drew  the  gaze  of  the  spectators.  As  the 
field  passed  the  half-mile  post  he  shot  forward  and  sped  past 
his  tiring  opposition.  On  he  continued  as  they  rounded  the  last 
turn,  and  an  old  horseman  shouted. 

"On  Watch  wins." 

But  On  Watch  had  spent  himself  and  all  the  courage  and 
stamina  at  his  command  could  not  overhaul  the  driving  duo  out 
front.  At  the  furlong  pole  Paul  Jones  met  his  sternest  test. 
He  seemed  to  be  weakening  from  the  long,  hard  struggle.  Up- 
set appeared  to  be  the  stronger.  But  Jockey  Rice  again  called  on 
his  game  little  mount  and  Paul  Jones  did  as  Hanover  or  Hindoo 
would  have  done.    He  would  not  be  denied. 


140  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Paul  Jones  met  challenge  with  challenge  and  at  the  close  dis- 
played a  heart  of  iron  as  he  drove  madly  under  the  wire  with 
Upset  at  his  throat-latch. 

Throughout  the  stretch  the  twain  waged  a  heartrending  duel. 
As  they  took  the  final  turn  Upset  made  his  bid.  Inch  by  inch  he 
forged  past  rump  and  flank  and  withers.  He  stretched  fiery  nos- 
trils alongside  the  gelding's  throat.  Only  the  blazed  face  re- 
mained between  him  and  victory.  On  they  came  past  the  furlong 
pole,  and  still  the  blazed  face  would  not  be  dislodged.  It  re- 
mained there  to  the  end. 

This  triumph  of  the  East  was  more  than  a  victory  for  Ken- 
tucky. The  ugly  little  brown  boasts  blood  that  long  has  been 
the  pride  of  the  Blue  Grass.  His  dam  is  by  Hamburg,  which  got 
Jersey  Lightning,  the  dam  of  Regret,  and  Hamburg's  sire  was 
the  immortal  Hanover,  by  Hindoo,  winner  of  the  Kentucky 
Derby  of  1881.  Hindoo  was  from  the  loins  of  Virgil  out  of 
Florence,  by  Lexington,  and  he  by  Boston,  the  great  Boston. 

summary 

May  8,  1920.  Track  slow.  $30,000  added.  Value  to  winner 
$30,375,  second,  $4,000,  third  $2,000,  fourth  $275.  Time— 23  4/5, 
481/5,  1.144/5,  1.42,  2.09. 

Paul   Jones,    126,    T.    Rice .1 

Upset,   126,  J.   Rodriguez 2 

On   Watch,    126,   N.   Barrett 3 

Damask,  126,  E.  Ambrose;  Donnacona,  126,  W.  J.  O'Brien; 
Blazes,  126,  C.  Kummer;  By  Golly,  126,  L.  Lyke :  Wildair,  126, 
L.  Fator;  Bersagliere,  126,  T.  Murray;  Patches,  126,  J.  Hanover; 
Herron,  126,  J.  Butwell ;  Sandy  Beal,  126,  I.  Williams;  Prince 
Pal,  126,  A.  Schuttinger;  David  Harum,  126,  C.  Fairbrother; 
Cleopatra,  121,  L.  McAtee ;  Peace  Pennant,  126,  M.  Garner; 
Sterling,  126,  J.  Callahan. 

Winner,  Brown  Gelding,  by  Sea  King-May  Florence,  by 
Hamburg.     Owned  by  R.  Parr.     Trained  by  Wm.  Garth. 


KENTUCKY    DERBY  141 


I  love  the  Hoss  from  Hoof  to  Head, 
From  Head  to  Hoof  and  Tail  to  Mane. 
I  love  the  Hoss,  as  I  have  said 
From  Head  to  Hoof  and  back  again. 
I  love  my  God  the  first  of  all, 
Then  Him  that  perished  on  the  Cross 
And  next  my  Wife  and  then  I  fall 
Down  on  my  knees  and  Love  the  Hoss. 


James  Whitcomb  Rilev 


Webster  Family  Library  of  Veterinary  Medicine 

Cummings  School  of  Veterinary  Medicine  at 

Tufts  University 

200  Westboro  Road 

North  Grafton,  MA  01536 


